WARNING: You’ll never be able to use the excuse “I don’t have time to eat healthy” again after reading this article!
We lead these crazy busy lives with lots of to-do’s piled high on our collective plates. One of the most common complaints I hear from clients is that it’s next to impossible to get a healthy, wholesome dinner on the table each night. No more worries – let’s crush this struggle right now…
Here in New England, winter has arrived fashionably late, but with a vengeance. At my house, this means my beloved crock pot has made its way from the basement storage shelf onto some prime kitchen counter space. At this time of year, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a piping hot soup or stew to comfort the soul – and the stomach. And even better – arriving home after a long day to the aroma of a healthy, home cooked meal, all prepared and ready to devour – Priceless!
I will be touching upon three topics that are all near and dear to my heart: Clean eating. Meal prepping. And crock pot cooking. Combining meal prep sessions with crock pot cooking is one mind-blowingly easy way to ensure you will never again be left wondering how you will get a healthy dinner on the table. This takes meal planning to whole new level of easy and convenient! It’s a win-win no brainer!
For starters, stock up on gallon size freezer bags because once you see how easy this is you will be completely sold on this idea and will be filling your freezer with the most amazing, healthy meals on the planet in no time!
Let’s not forget the money saving benefits, too. I like to buy ingredients in bulk and prep several of the same meals at once. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Ready to roll up your sleeves and get prepping? C’mon – let’s do this. Sunday is my best prepping day – but do whatever works best for you. Here’s my blueprint for meal planning success:
- Check what meat/poultry is on sale at Whole Foods (or your store of choice)
- Pick 3 or 4 favorite crock pot recipes
- Create a shopping list with double the ingredients
- Hit the grocery store
- Get prepping!
The best part is, there is NO cooking involved – just combining ingredients! Assemble your crockpot meals and place each one in a gallon size freezer baggie, labeled with the date and cooking instructions. Be sure to note on the instruction if your meals call for additional ingredients, such as broth, or last minute veggies. Added bonus: for more together time, recruit family members to assist in the process!
Now your biggest dilemma in the morning will be choosing WHICH meal to cook! All you need to do is pull out one of your freezer bags. No slicing, no dicing, just dump and go. The best part? Coming home to a kitchen that smells like you’ve been slaving away all day. Ahhhh. Is doesn’t get much easier (or healthier) than that!
Here are some of my favorite healthy crock pot dishes to get your mouth watering and get you started:
Hot Pepper Pork and Butternut Squash
Slow Cooker Honey Sesame Chicken
Healthified Crock Pot Beef & Broccoli
Mushroom Barley Stew (and other great crock pot recipes here too!)
Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Roasted Chickpeas
Banana Apple Coconut Curry (YUM!!)
Slow Cooker Tomato Kale Quinoa Soup
Enjoy!
What is YOUR biggest kitchen challenge? Stocking your pantry with the ‘right’ foods? Knowing what equipment would make your life easier? Frreezer/fridge organization? Eliminating toxins? Post a comment below.
Struggling to clean up your kitchen, your diet and your life? Email me at info@TheRightTrackWellness.com and let’s chat about it. I’m all ears.
This information is for general purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease. Health Coaching is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a qualified, licensed professional.