Put your slow cooker to use so you don't have to slow down your day!
I’m a busy person. I always have been.
I used to use it as an excuse to not eat healthy dinners. I would use the fact that it was already past dinner time, I was still driving home, and I wouldn’t have time to make anything as reasons to either stop somewhere to pick up something quick (and probably not very healthy), or to eat cereal (which is not exactly a balanced dinner).
This ugly habit definitely did not help me lose weight. In fact, it caused me to gain weight and it also didn’t make me feel energized or healthy.
Now, on those days when I know I’m not going to be getting home until dinner time or after dinner time, I use my slow cooker. Before I leave in the morning, I throw together a slow cooker dish so that when I get home, I can satisfy my growling stomach quickly and in a healthy way.
There really is nothing better than walking into a house that smells of warm spices, or melted cheese, or tangy chicken, or sweet vegetables, or really the smell of any yummy food! My mood is instantly brightened when I walk in after a long day and smell the food that’s already cooked and ready for me to eat. Read on to discover 27 healthy slow cooker recipes for weight loss so you, too, can say goodbye to the excuses and days of unsatisfying, unhealthy dinners!
1. Slow Cooker Eggplant Lasagna
The classic dish of lasagna made low-carb? Yes!
This slow cooker lasagna replaces noodles with eggplant. As someone who absolutely loves eggplant, I was sold right from the start! If you’re still on the fence, consider the fact that with this replacement, you’ll be getting in more vegetables than you ever would with normal lasagna. Also, imagine the savory, warming aroma that fills your home when eating a hearty meal like this one. Now, imagine that same aroma, but without the guilt that often comes over us after eating such a meal.
This meal comes with eggplant, but it leaves behind any guilt! It’s made with healthy ingredients, will fill you up, and tastes amazing!
2. Slow Cooker Garlic and Thyme Mashed Potatoes
The first thing I think of when I hear “home cooked meal” is mashed potatoes. My family rarely eats a dinner where mashed potatoes are not on the table. So, when I would visit, the mashed potatoes would always be a temptation I’d have to turn down…or at least try to.
Now, with this recipe, I don’t have to turn anything down in order to stick with my health goals. These mashed potatoes are healthy and are much lower in fat and calories than the mashed potatoes that used to be on my dining room table when I would go home. The best part is, my family loves them just as much!
3. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Custard Oatmeal
If you thought this list was going to contain only dinner recipes, you’re wrong! My favorite meal is breakfast, so I, of course, have to include some brilliant slow cooker breakfast recipes in here.
One of those recipes is this one for our Slow Cooker Pumpkin Custard Oatmeal. I am a huge fan of pumpkin. Pumpkin pie, pumpkin tea, pumpkin cookies, pumpkin yogurt, pumpkin coffee–if something is flavored with pumpkin, I want it. Fall is probably my favorite time of the year simply because there are pumpkin flavored things everywhere.
If you’re right there with me, then this oatmeal is a must-try for you. It will warm you up when you eat it and it will warm your house up while the cozy spices are cooking.
4. Juicy Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Who doesn’t love a good Thanksgiving dinner any day of the year? I know I do!
Thanksgiving food reminds me of comfort, warmth, and a full belly–which is something I know I wish I could have every day. This slow cooker recipe gives me that, along with my whole family! This recipe yields eight, so grab your entire family, throw together a few Thanksgiving-style side dishes and get feastin’–the healthy way!
5. Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto
Speaking of Thanksgiving-style side dishes, this Slow Cooker Butternut Squash Risotto is something that I want on my Thanksgiving table every year.
My brother thought he didn’t like squash until he tried this recipe. The key is to make it and not tell them what’s in it! Then, when they love it, you break the news that, well, that health food that they thought they hated, they really love!
6. Slow Cooker Root Vegetable Stew
This vegetable stew is loaded with nutrients. Why? Because it’s loaded with vegetables! Some of the veggies in it are:
- Sweet potato
- Turnip
- Onion
- Tomato
- Beets
So many colors and so many vitamins and minerals!
7. Slow Cooker Spicy Barbecued Chicken
This recipe is the perfect one when you’re looking to have people over. I know that in my house, they’re a hit on Football Sunday, and, well, really any day for that matter!
