Slow Cooker Cooking: Healthy Meal Tips

Preparing a healthy meal can be time-consuming. And even when you do have some extra time at home, you still don't necessarily have time to stand over your stove or oven — stirring, flipping, sautéing, boiling, simmering — and the list goes on. Enter the slow cooker. Possibly one of the best ways to take the pressure out of cooking a healthy meal that can also feed the whole family, be stored away as a heat-and-serve lunch option during a busy week or simplify your cooking logistics.

HERE'S WHY A SLOW COOKER IS GOOD FOR COOKING HEALTHY

■ Depending on its size, you might be able to cook a well-balanced meal — including protein, carbs, and vegetables — all in the same pot.

■ Because you're typically cooking with broth or other flavorful liquids, a slow cooker is also a great way to keep lean cuts of meat tender and juicy.

■ You can use a slow cooker for batch cooking or meal prep, as well as when you have leftover veggies, beans or meats, and want to make a stew or soup.

Ingredient Substitutions That Can Make Any Slow Cooker Recipe Healthier

■ Choose whole-grain options over refined carbohydrates.

■ Rinse and drain canned vegetables and beans.

■ Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

■ Cut the cheese.

■ Add more herbs and less salt.

■ Add extra veggies.