Are you looking for some easy, healthy recipes to prepare while juggling your busy week? Slow cooking has a solution. Slow cooking gets cool in my book. It keeps you on a healthy track with some good, wholesome meals.
How Is Slow Cooking Good for Health?
Slow cooking has some health advantages that other cooking methods don’t, so let us see how.
Preservation of Nutrients
The nutrients (vitamins and minerals) in food are better preserved in the slow cooking method. If you use a higher temperature for other cooking methods, you may easily destroy vitamins and minerals—important nutrients. On the contrary, a slow cooker has a low cooking temperature, which preserves nutrients in the food.
Helps Reduce Fat
Fat reduction, anyone? With slow cooking, it’s often possible to use the “leanest” cuts of meats. Also keep in mind that less fat is needed in the cooking. In this way, longer cooking times tenderize meat naturally, which equals healthier dinners.
Forces the Healthy Whole Foods
A slow cooker is also heaven for vegetables. On the same note, legumes and whole grains thrive in one. These are the foods that ensure a healthy diet. Therefore, pack your slow cooker with these cool ingredients!
Key Ingredients for a Healthy Slow Cooker Recipe
What should you put in the slow cooker? Some are especially good for a healthy meal. So, what are they?
Lean Proteins
A good one is chicken breast. Turkey, lean ground beef, lentils, and beans will do too. Keep an eye on your portions. Every little bit helps.
High Fiber Vegetables
High fiber veggies are right for slow cooking. Pacify it with broccoli. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach are also good candidates. Fiber keeps you satisfied and aids digestion.
Herbs and Spices
In the hands of an expert with a dash of unhealthy flavor, herbs and spices are magical. Garlic is the pick-me-up. Ginger is warmth. Turmeric is health. Chili powder is a kick in the pants. Instead of salt, enjoy using the aforementioned. Now that really kicks it up a notch.
Tasty and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes for You to Try!
Ready to begin cooking? These are a few healthy recipes for the slow cooker to help you find your cooking groove!
Chicken and Vegetable Stew
It’s simple and full of nutrition. Chicken breast, carrots, celery, and broth clean the whole thing up. Potatoes and names finish the dish.
Lentil Soup
Lentil soup is a hearty and healthy dish. It consists of lentils, vegetables, and spices. Lentils are packed with protein and fiber; they can easily be replaced with meat in most recipes. Carrots, onion, and garlic are nice additions, adding flavor to the soup.
Quinoa and Black Bean Chili
This chili is a power pack with nutrients. The main ingredients are quinoa, black beans, corn, and tomatoes. Then the whole thing got spiced with chili powder. Quinoa is a complete protein. Black beans are for fiber. This chili definitely rocks!
Tips for Healthy Slow Cooking Success
Want to improve your slow cooking game? Here are extra tips for a successful cooking experience.
Do Not Overcook
Do not fill the cooker too full. Overfilling can significantly affect the cooking time and even cause uneven cooking. Try to load the slow cooker only until it is about two-thirds full.
Adjusting Taste Later
Seasoning should be reserved until the very end. It collects during slow cooking and, once done, you can take a quick taste to see just what is missed in there.
Advanced Techniques of Healthy Slow Cooking
Now is the moment to transcend your ordinary practice. Get insight on these techniques to make food healthier and flavored.
Bone Broth
Bone broth provides many health reasons. It has loads of nourishing collagen and minerals. It might be better to use them instead of other broths to make the meal indeed healthy.
Vegetables in Slow Cooking
Vegetarian slow cooker dishes can be quite delicious. The main components are beans, lentils, and tofu. Do give extra props to the veggies and the spices.
Remarks
Healthy slow cooking is a boon. It is fun too. The beauty of a slow cooker lies in its versatility. Test out the recipes and ideas. Fill your life with healthy eating habits.