By Ashley Wilhoite, BSN, RN, Wellness Director
We live in a ‘go go go’ society. Even during these strange times, such as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, we still find ways to stay busy.
If you’re like me, always running from one place to another (sometimes literally), then quick kitchen tips are more than welcome on how to spend less time preparing healthy meals without coming up short on the nutrients you and your family need to live a healthy lifestyle. Efficiency is key, not only for the busy mom or dad but for all of us regardless of our home life.
Let’s be real. We all have daily demands in life. I, for example, am the mother of two young children who still need their momma, working almost full-time hours while attending fitness boot camps at 5 a.m. three times per week. That’s all in addition to attending graduate school as a full-time student. It’s safe to say there are never enough hours in the day, to say the least!
However, when it comes to eating right even in spite of a hectic lifestyle, a common misconception about preparing healthy meals is that it’s “time-consuming.” That couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s all about the ingredients you use and how you prepare your meals. You can still eat “clean” even if time isn’t exactly on your side.
But first, what is clean eating? Clean eating is simply when you eat food in its most natural form – fruits, veggies, and grass-fed meats free from pesticides and antibiotics are considered to be clean foods.
Crockpots are largely known for tailgating, Superbowl parties, outdoor get-togethers with friends, and lots of other gatherings in which you don’t want to exhaust yourself in the kitchen preparing a crowd-pleasing meal. “Convenience” and “easy prep” aren’t usually terms you hear when referring to healthy cooking, but, believe it or not, the crockpot can be a wonderful tool when you incorporate the right ingredients!
Food tends to be the tastiest when cooked low and slow. That’s where the crockpot shines in saving your precious time. Crockpot meals are also great because they can cater to every type of eater in your household. If someone prefers something extra in addition to the meal you (or your crockpot) have created, then whatever they desire can easily be contributed on the side – and you can still enjoy your delish, clean meal!
All you have to do is add all the ingredients to the pot in the morning, set your crockpot on the advised setting the recipe calls for, and go about your day. When you come home, the house smells amazing and dinner is ready to be served. It’s almost like magic! And another huge plus – you won’t have a sink full of dirty pots and pans to tackle when the meal is over.
Healthy? Timesaving? A lot less cleanup? Yes, please!
Here at Vibrant Med, we’re here to help you along your very own unique path to optimal health and wellness. To get you started on your healthier, timesaving meal prep journey, here are a couple of links I frequently reference when making my own crockpot meals. My family absolutely loves the food, and I’m sure yours will, too. Enjoy!
https://thecleaneatingcouple.com/20-easy-whole30-crockpot-dinner-recipes/
https://thestir.cafemom.com/food_party/211623/clean-eating-crock-pot-recipes
