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Don't even think about skipping meals or forcing yourself to eat flavor-less foods for the sake of your weight gain goals. Your health and weight loss plan should always include protein-rich foods that are packed with vitamins and minerals. And you don't have to spend hours cooking and prepping — let your slow cooker take over and do the hard work for you.
These 8 high protein slow cooker meals will help you lose weight and be healthy. They're nutritious, easy to make, and — best of all — so tasty you'll feel completely satisfied.
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Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Pork is lower in fat and calories than red meat and is loaded with protein. Make this slow cooker pulled pork using boneless pork shoulder and serve it on a whole wheat bun with a side of mayo-less coleslaw to cool things down.
Slow Cooker Bean Chili
Vegetarians, rejoice: you don't need meat to make a high protein meal. This slow cooker bean chili combines three types of beans — garbanzo, black beans, and veggie baked beans — with tomatoes, corn, onions, and chili powder. It's a little bit spicy, a little bit sweet, and incredibly nutritious.
Slow Cooker Pork Loin
Low in calories and high in protein and iron, this slow cooker pork loin is cooked in lemon juice, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve it with brown rice and green veggies for a balanced dinner.
Slow Cooker Beef Soup
Love beef, but aren't sure hamburgers are the healthiest choice? Satisfy that craving with this slow cooker beef soup instead. It makes good use of northern beans, potatoes, and frozen mixed vegetables and is packed with flavor.
Slow Cooker Beef Bourguignon
Burgundy wine is the star of this slow cooker beef bourguignon recipe, but it shares the stage with fresh mushrooms, pearl onions, and bacon. It's intensely flavorful, an excellent source of protein, and fancy enough to serve to guests.
Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
Cold and flu season won't stand a chance against this slow cooker chicken soup. Carrots, celery, egg noodles, and chicken as soft as butter — all reasons to make this classic cold night dish in your crockpot instead of on the stove.
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
The sweetness of honey and ketchup used to make this slow cooker sesame chicken is balanced by soy sauce and a dash of hot red pepper. The result is a tangy dish that adds major life to your veggie side dishes.
Slow Cooker Shrimp Jambalaya
With 24 grams of protein per serving, shrimp is a great choice if you're a fish lover who wants to add more protein to your diet. Slow cooker shrimp jambalaya can be made with or without meats like chicken and sausage. Toss in plenty of vegetables like green peppers and tomatoes and cook it on low for 5 hours to combine all of the unique flavors.