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Prioritizing protein intake in your diet is one of the best ways to achieve healthy and effortless weight loss. Known for increasing satiety and providing your body with more energy for the day, protein-dense foods should be included in any diet as they are one of the primary macronutrients needed for a balanced approach to eating.
One of the biggest reasons that people avoid cooking is the time and effort it takes, so investing in a crock pot can help pull together meals with ease, requiring minimal effort while still nourishing your body for weight loss. This week, try whipping up these five protein rich meals which are packed with flavor and can allow you to lose weight in a healthy way without depriving your body. All they take is 15 minutes to prep and a crock pot!
Crock Pot Bourbon Chicken
High in protein and low in carbs and sugar, this flavorful dish is perfect served with a side of rice and veggies for a delicious, balanced meal. Under 500 calories and easily thrown into the crock pot for a meal that takes very little effort to come together, this dish is ideal for an easy weeknight dinner that makes great leftovers as well.
Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken thighs, cornstarch, olive oil, garlic, minced ginger, red pepper flakes, brown sugar, sriracha sauce, apple cider vinegar, water, soy sauce
Crock Pot Chicken Caesar Sandwiches
For a quick and easy lunch or dinner which will keep you full for hours while packing in the protein, these chicken caesar sandwiches are up to the task. This recipe makes enough chicken for six sandwiches, so turn on your crock pot first thing in the morning, throw in your ingredients, and by lunchtime you’ll be able to feed the whole family a summertime meal that won’t disappoint.
Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast, water, kosher salt, garlic powder, black pepper, plain Greek yogurt, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, reduced-sodium soy sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, black pepper
Crock Pot Stuffed Peppers
A fun twist on your next taco night, these stuffed peppers are colorful and rich in both flavor and nutrients. With ground turkey and black beans for protein, this recipe is easily customizable for a plant-based diet, and served with avocado you can add in some healthy fat to boost the value of this meal even further. Why order Chipotle when you could just make this at home?
Ingredients: Large bell peppers, ground turkey, reduced-sodium black beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, uncooked quinoa, chilli powder, cumin, garlic powder, kosher salt, shredded cheese
Vegetarian Crock Pot Chili
If you’re looking for a delicious source of plant-based protein for those cooler summer nights, this crock pot chili just might do the trick. With a variety of beans providing fiber and protein to fill you up, this rich and comforting dish is perfect to make in bulk and keep for leftovers throughout the week.
Ingredients: Kidney beans, chili beans, fire roasted diced tomatoes, sliced stewed tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, yellow onion, vegetable broth, chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper
Crock Pot Mexican Quinoa Bowl
A low calorie, high protein meal, this dish is perfect for those nights when you want something hearty that doesn’t require much prep time. Throw your ingredients into the crock pot several hours before dinnertime and soon you’ll have a colorful vegan dish loaded with nutrients to support healthy weight loss with ease.
Ingredients: Quinoa, black beans, fire roasted diced tomatoes, colored bell peppers, zucchini, mild taco seasoning, garlic powder, vegetable broth, cilantro, avocado, lime juice, green onion
