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The best way to take care of your heart is with a healthy lifestyle. In addition to cardiovascular exercise, a healthy diet is a must. Eating larger portions of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods can shape up your diet as well as your heart and waistline. Try one of these heart-healthy slow cooker recipes this week for dinner.
This cozy, spiced-up dish has both flavor and convenience. Normally, curries are full of fat which helps give them their creamy texture. This healthy version uses low-fat coconut milk and plain yogurt that will give you that full flavor feeling without all the unhealthy fats.
You’ll need:
- Canola oil
- Onion
- Garlic
- Coriander
- Cinnamon
- Ginger
- Turmeric
- Cayenne pepper
- Tomato paste
- Garbanzo beans or chickpeas
- Sweet potatoes
- Cauliflower florets
- Carrots
- Tomatoes
- Chicken broth
- Light coconut milk
- Pepper
- Salt
- Cilantro
- Brown rice
- Lime wedges
- Plain yogurt
This bistro favorite gets a healthy make-over for this slow cooker version. The dish features two types of onions that are caramelized for hours before adding a sherry-spiked broth. Serve with a crusty slice of baguette and low-fat cheese—you won’t miss the extra calories!
You’ll need:
- Butter
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Fresh thyme
- Garlic
- Bay leaf
- Yellow onions
- Red onions
- Salt
- Pepper
- Beef broth
- Dry sherry
- Baguette
- Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Just because you are watching your heart health and weight doesn’t mean you have to miss out on Chinese takeout. This healthy version of honey garlic chicken features a sweet, sticky sauce made of healthy, natural ingredients. Serve with brown rice or cauliflower rice for an extra dose of heart-healthy fiber.
You’ll need:
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Low-sodium soy sauce
- Honey
- Tomato paste
- Chili paste
- Garlic
- Rice vinegar
- Cornstarch
- Brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Green onion
Slow-Cooker Coconut Brown Rice Pudding
Just because you are watching your waistline and your heart health doesn’t mean you can’t have dessert. Rice pudding is normally full of fat, but this lightened up version uses light coconut milk, coconut water and fiber-rich brown rice. Don’t worry—it’s not light on flavor! Serve with dried fruits, toasted nuts, shredded coconut and seeds for added fiber and taste.
You’ll need:
- Coconut water
- Lite coconut milk
- Sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
- Short grain brown rice
- Unsalted butter
- Lime zest
