Meal prepping is a hot topic lately. It’s a great way to save time and money, and to ensure you’re providing yourself and your family with nutritious meals.
Its roots go back to the most repeatable meal-prep strategy ever: crock-potting!
Your crock pot, or slow cooker, can be your best friend when planning and preparing several days of meals – without chaining yourself to the kitchen. Here are my five favorite reasons.
- Set It and Forget It
Simply throw your ingredients into the pot, set the temperature and time, and go about your day. Whether you’re at class, work, or the gym, your crock pot works its magic, slow-cooking your meal to perfection.
- Healthy and Nutritious Meals
Crock pot cooking is perfect for balanced meals with a variety of vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and your own spices. The slow-cooking method retains nutrients, so your meals are packed with all the good stuff.
- Cook Once, Eat All Week
A crock pot allows you to cook in bulk, saving time and energy all week. Making large batches means plenty of leftovers, like chili or stew, that can be divided up and frozen for another day.
- Budget-Friendly
Slow cooking tenderizes meat, so you can use less expensive cuts without sacrificing flavor or texture. Buying ingredients in bulk is cheaper than purchasing single servings or ready-made meals.
- Less Cleanup, More Time
After a busy day, the last thing you want is a sink full of dishes. Crock-pot cooking minimizes cleanup because you’re using just one pot to cook your entire meal. Many crock pots even have removable, dishwasher-safe inserts, making cleanup even easier.
We’re all looking for ways to save stress, money and time without skimping on healthy habits. The old-fashioned, reliable crock pot is a champ!