Amy Culver - The Queen Of Lean

Next:
Click here for articles


Don't let 'food pusher' get you


Keep holiday meals healthful


Make a food plan for the holidays


Exercise during busy season


Make a plan to incorporate treats


Start planning for healthy holidays


Make the Valley your playground


Packing your lunch is a healthy habit


Comments and suggestions from readers


Slow cooker is dieter's best friend


Tips for finding the right counselor


Help someone with food addiction


Don't give up on losing weight


Healthy meals can be easy on budget


Give technology a good workout


Keep close eye on portion size


Weight loss by the numbers


Sudden job loss could improve lifestyle


Get fit now to have a better life later


Handle cravings in a sensible fashion


Excess fat can hinder medical diagnoses


Losing weight calls for a meal plan


Weight gain's underlying issues


Little changes = big weight loss


Be patient, scales will catch up


New Year is right time to make plan for healthy lifestyle

Previous:
Click here for articles

Slow cooker is dieter's best friend

I've rediscovered a great way to make healthful and inexpensive meals.  I recently bought a slow cooker, and it has been a great investment.  They've come a long way since my mom's 1970s crock pot.  I did a bit of research online and asked friends for advice.  They loaned me cookbooks and I soon was on my way to dinnertime bliss.

I bought a 5.5-quart, oval slow-cooker for $35.  A friend recommended I choose an oval-shaped model because they fit whole chickens and roasts better than the round.  There are only two of us to cook for, so that size works well and makes two to three meals with each recipe.  If you have a larger family, they are available as large as 7 quarts. 

Typical models come with high and low settings, so you don't have to plan on being home all day.  Many recipes cook in two to three hours on high and then can be set to warm for up to four hours.  One benefit is that they don't heat up the house like an oven does. 

Inexpensive cuts of meat come out tender and flavorful.  For just a small investment, you will save a lot over time.  I've been able to add a whole new repertoire to my meal plans.

Cookbooks are widely available, including diet-specific (low-cal, low-carb, low-sodium, etc.)  Recipes are also available on the Internet.  Many recipes are very easy: Put in your meat, open a couple of cans, dump on top and turn it on.

If you don't have one, I strongly encourage you to get one.  If you do have one, but it's buried in the pantry, take it out and try using it again.   I think you'll be very glad you did.