"Health Up" Your Crock-Pot Meals

Lazy meals can still be nutritious meals.  ;)

When the cold weather rolls in around November and December that's when my family starts introducing slow cooked meals (a.k.a. lazy meals) into our dinner week.  Monday becomes are designated Crock-Pot night because the meat is fresh (we grocery shop on Sundays) and I have the time to prep and chop all the veggies.  

Crock-pot meals never disappoint.  They're delicious, hearty and soul warming, but unfortunately can lack nutrients when it comes to the vegetable department.  Most people already know that the longer your veggies are cooked, the less nutrients they possess.  In order to still enjoy those lazy meals (Crock-pot meals) as well as get those healthy nutrients into our bodies, I have found some simple ways to "health up" your slow cooked dinner options!  


6 WAYS TO "HEALTH UP" YOUR CROCK-POT MEAL

1.  Use a good organic bone broth or vegetable broth.  Bone broth is great for healing our gut (which is key for optimal health). 

2.  Use grass-fed + antibiotic-free meats.  The less toxins in our bodies the better. 

3.  Skip the corn, it's difficult for us to digest and has little nutritional value.
 
4. Regular potatoes are great, but try adding in a more nutrient dense starchy vegetable like sweet potatoes or butternut squash. 

5.  Experiment with new veggies such as leeks and parsnips.  These veggies cook up well in a tasty broth or stock. 

6.  Never put broccoli, zucchini or dark leafy greens such as kale and Swiss shard in your Crock-Pot to cook over a long period of time.  Instead, pour your hot meal over these types of veggies and mix together right before serving.  These greens will cook and/or wilt quickly to help them stay pretty, as well as maintain their optimal nutritional value. 

Healthy doesn't have to be complicated. 

​Let's all eat and feel well friends!


                     Always craving good food,
                                      Jillian