Cook Slow for Faster Meals

Cook Slow for Faster Meals

Cook Slow for Faster Meals

The title seems counterintuitive, doesn’t it?

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Wait, before you discount it…hear me out!

Slow Cookers (a.k.a. Crockpots) are a beautiful invention that take a good amount of time up front (yes, true), BUT save you a TON of time in the long run. Not only that, but you don’t have to tend to the food the entire time it’s cooking. You can multitask, and that’s a win:win:win if you ask me! 🙂

Here are some quick, easy and nutritious options that will allow you to prepare meals in bulk for you and your family!

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Breakfast

If you liked our recipe for on-the-go, Paleo Protein Bars, you’ll love this one, too! These energy bars are an equally delicious choice. The ingredients are nutrient-packed and have super staying power. The raisins even add a little burst of sweetness and balance out the savory flavors while giving them some chew, too! Eat these en route to work or school or anytime you need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp Almond butter
  • 2 Tbsp Pure maple syrup
  • 1 Cup Unsweetened vanilla almond milk
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1/3 Cup Quinoa, uncooked
  • 1/2 Cup Raisins
  • 1/3 Cup Roasted Almonds, roughly chopped
  • 1/3 Cup Dried apples, roughly chopped
  • 2 Tbsp Chia seeds

Instructions

  1. Spray a 5 Quart Slow Cooker with cooking spray and cut a piece of parchment to just fit in the bottom of it. I just traced my slow cooker on a large piece of parchment, cut it out and stuck it in. Spray the parchment with cooking spray, and press it down to adhere it to the slow cooker. **
  2. In a large, micro-wave safe bowl, combine the almond butter and maple syrup and melt until the almond butter is creamy, about 30 seconds.
  3. Whisk together the almond butter and maple syrup. Then, whisk in the almond milk, cinnamon and salt. Whisk until the milk is well incorporated with the almond butter.
  4. Whisk in the eggs until well combined, then stir in all remaining ingredients thoroughly.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared slow cooker and cook on LOW heat until the top of the bars just appear set, about 3 1/2-4 hours.
  6. Run a knife around the outside of the bars and remove the bowl from the slow cooker. Place into the refrigerate to cool completely.
  7. Once cool, cut into bars and DEVOUR!

Picture and Recipe Inspired by: https://www.foodfaithfitness.com/slow-cooker-quinoa-energy-bar-recipe/

Lunch/Dinner

The main idea around this recipe is to cook a large amount of meat that has versatile use, is tender, juicy and flavorful! You can add the cooked meat to tacos, sandwiches, salads, and more! It’s also easy prepare different types of meat (ex. turkey, pork, steak) in a similar way and simply adjust the cooking temperature and time accordingly. SO EASY! – SO HEALTHY!

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Picture Credit: https://paleomg.com/enchilada-chicken-stew/

Ingredients:

  • 2 lbs. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2, 15 oz jars of your favorite salsa
  • Optional: Tortillas, Lettuce (and other veggies) for a salad, Ezekiel Bread, Avocado as garnish…the options are endless!

Instructions:

  1. Pull out your crockpot.
  2. Add your chicken breasts.
  3. Add enough salsa so all of the chicken is fully covered (all of the salsa may or may not be used)
  4. Put crockpot on low for 8-10 hours or high for 6-8.
  5. After it’s done cooking, use tongs to pick at the chicken to shred it while it’s in with the salsa.
  6. Top with some avocado or add it to a sandwich or salad.

Devour!

-Health & Wellness Coach
Michelle C.