Using a slow cooker can be a game-changer for eating healthier and staying on track with your weight-loss goals.
“Your energy and decision-making tank is full at the beginning of the day and nearly empty by the end, so using a slow cooker to set yourself up for healthier meals can be super beneficial to move closer to your health goals,” says Laura Burak, MS, RD, the founder of GetNaked Nutrition and author of Slim Down with Smoothies.
A slow cooker allows you to throw together quality ingredients like lean proteins, vegetables, and sauces in the morning and come home to a ready-to-eat dinner. It’s like having an assistant in the kitchen, helping you prepare balanced meals with minimal effort.
Slow cooker recipes for weight loss should include the three macronutrients: protein, healthy fats, and “slow” carbs. “Think lean protein like poultry, pork, or tofu for protein and fat, and ‘slow’ carbs high in fiber,” says Burak. “Slow” carbs are naturally high-fiber foods like lentils, beans, corn, and potatoes, which take longer to digest, help stabilize blood sugar, and keep you feeling full.
To help you get started, we’ve rounded up 30 of the best healthy slow cooker recipes for weight loss. Add these to your weekly meal rotation to enjoy the convenience of weight loss meals without the hassle. After reading and enjoying your scrumptious meal, take a look at 10 Best Breakfast Foods for Losing Weight & Gaining Muscle.
Slow Cooker Green Chile Pork Soup
Looking for a healthier alternative to canned soup options? This flavorful dish is easy to assemble, and it’s way more delicious than the shelf-stable stuff. Complete with hearty beans and veggies, this soup will only set you back 259 calories while offering a whopping 25 grams of protein and six grams of fiber.