My Three Favorite Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes

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When you look at the average person's diet, you'll find most people eat too many saturated fats and too few vegetables. Additionally, many diets are also incredibly high in sodium aka salt. Consider this: a whopping 90% of Americans exceed their recommended daily allowance of salt. Sugar intake is also problematic when it comes to the average diet. While it's recommended that only 10% of your calories come from sugar, Americans consume 152 pounds of the stuff per year on average.

If you're like most people, you're totally aware of your diet failings. You just feel hopeless about being able to change them. The trick to eating better is to find crave-worthy meals that are actually good for you. And if these meals are easy to prepare, even better. Slaving over a hot stove all day preparing a meal is not most people's idea of fun, which is why slow cookers are so amazing!

Speaking of scouring, I've been on the hunt for the tastiest, the most delectable, the healthiest slower cooker recipes available. I absolutely love my slow cooker and I'm always on the lookout for different meals to make with it. These three stood out because of their comfort food qualities. However, their wholesome, nutritious ingredients mean you can enjoy a delicious dinner without the guilt. Enjoy!

1. Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lb. of ground turkey
• 1 chopped green pepper
• 1 finely chopped red onion
• 2 minced cloves of garlic
• 1 can of chopped tomatoes
• 1 can of black beans (be sure to rinse and drain)
• 1 can of kidney beans (same as above)
• 2 tbsp. of tomato paste
• 1 1/2 cups of chicken broth (low-sodium)
• 1 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. of  ground cumin
• 1 tsp. of dried oregano
• 2 tsp. of chili powder
• Kosher salt
• black pepper (freshly ground is best)
• shredded cheddar
• thinly sliced green onions

For the best results, fry the ground turkey in a skillet on medium-high until brown before adding it and your other ingredients to the slow cooker. Set it on high and let your turkey chili simmer for four hours. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Garnish with shredded cheddar and green onions.

2. Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Buffalo Chicken Ingredients:

• 3 24 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 diced onion
• 1 diced celery stalk
• 1 minced clove of garlic
• 16 oz. of fat-free chicken broth (low sodium)
• 1/2 cup of your favorite hot sauce

Lettuce Wrap Ingredients:

• 6 large leaves of your favorite type of lettuce
• 2 large stalks of celery (cut them into matchsticks)
• 1 1/2 cups of shredded carrots

Add chicken breasts, celery, onions, garlic, and fat-free broth to your slow cooker, making sure there is enough broth to completely cover the chicken. Set on high for about four hours before shredding the chicken and draining all but a 1/2 cup of your broth. Add in shredded chicken, remaining broth, and hot sauce and cook on high for another thirty minutes. Scoop chicken into cups and top with shredded carrots and celery matchsticks.

3. Eggplant Parm

Ingredients:

• 2 large eggplants (slice them into half-inch sized coins)
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup of panko bread crumbs
• 2 cup of marinara
• 12 oz. of sliced mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan
• 1 tsp. of Italian seasoning
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper (ground)
• fresh basil

Lightly salt eggplant coins and let rest for at least 30 minutes. Combine garlic powder, panko bread crumbs, and Italian seasoning in one bowl while whisking your eggs in another.

Take about a third of your marinara and add it to the slower cooker.

Take your eggplant and dip it in the egg first, then the breadcrumbs.

Add to the slow cooker in an even layer, followed by another layer of marinara and your mozzarella. Add another layer of eggplant, then another layer of marinara and cheese, and cook on high for at least four hours.

Season with salt and pepper, with the Parmesan and basil added as the finishing touch.

Enjoy!