SLOW COOKING FOR A FAST LIFE

For many of us with a busy schedule, sitting around and waiting for a meal to cook is just not time efficient.  But what if you didn't have to wait for your meal to cook?  In comes the slow cooker or often known as a "crock pot".  These guys are a great investment if you're trying to cook your own healthy meals rather than relying on the local market or the first fast food restaurant you pass by.

Here are a couple reasons why you should consider a slow cooker:

• Nutritious, Delicious Meals
  Healthy meals are easy to make in a slow cooker.  There are many recipes out there, but a simple collection of vegetables, meat, and broth are all you need for an easy meal!
• Time-saver
  You don't have to be present the entire time to supervise your cooking.  Just chop your veggies, round up your meat (or protein of choice), and throw it all in the slow cooker with a broth or tomato sauce and let it sit.  Most recipes take 4-8 hours of slow cooking.  So you can leave it on while you sleep or while you're gone at work.
• Useful Year-Round
  During the summer months, a slow cooker can help keep the heat down in your kitchen.
• Reduced Energy Usage
  Slow cookers are much more energy efficient than cooking on a stove top.
• Easy Clean-Up
  All you need to clean are your chopping utensils and the bowl the food is cooked in.  Also, most stores carry plastic bags that can be used to line the slow cooker and allow for very easy clean up without harming your food.

 
Home cooked meals are by far the easiest way to improve your health.  You never know what exactly is in your food when you buy pre-made food from a store or restaurant.  Our nutrition is the first place we can start making changes when trying to lead a healthier life.  So give this a try for your next meal!