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Unfortunately, once we hit our 30’s our metabolism begins to slow. This means we should be selective about the foods we eat. Skip the empty calories and make room for foods with a high nutrient-to-calorie ratio. Try one of these fat-blasting crock pot recipes to help drop inches from your waistline.
Steel cut oats are rich in soluble fiber. Eating oats and other whole grains regularly can reduce total and LDL cholesterol levels by 5 to 10 percent. A study published in the journal BMC Medicine found that “older adults who consumed the most whole grains were 17 percent less likely to die from any cause.” The problem is, steel cut oats take forever to cook. This grain is perfect for cooking in a crock pot! Pair it with maple syrup, vanilla and cinnamon, then set it and forget it—the crock pot does all the hard work. Make this the night before so you can have a bowl of warm, delicious oatmeal in the morning.
You’ll Need
- Steel cut oats
- Unsweetened almond milk
- Maple syrup
- Vanilla bean
- Ground cinnamon
- Sea salt
This lovely frittata recipe is literally a drop and go breakfast. You place all the ingredients in at once and go about your business until it’s ready. The frittata features a litany of healthy ingredients including roasted red peppers, oregano, red onion and goat cheese. The star of this dish is the eggs, which are a healthy source of protein and vitamins. However, it’s leafy greens, arugula, that puts this recipe in the superfood zone. According to a study by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, eating green leafy vegetables keeps mental abilities sharp. Plus, leafy greens are a great source of fiber, calcium, folate, potassium and more.
You’ll Need:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Baby arugula
- Roasted red peppers
- Red onion
- Goat cheese
Slow Cooker Mexican Stuffed Peppers
This easy one-pot meal is high in protein, low carb, filling and very flavorful. It features lean ground turkey, brown rice, salsa, reduced-fat cheese and beans. Studies show that eating a daily serving of beans can help to lower LDL cholesterol by 5 percent. Beans also help to regulate blood sugar. The flavorful combination in this dish will not only satisfy your taste buds, but it will also get you leaner in no time.
You’ll Need:
- Lean ground turkey
- Brown rice
- Reduced-fat shredded cheddar cheese
- Black beans
- Salsa
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Garlic powder
- Cilantro
- Bell peppers
Just because you are watching your waistline, doesn’t mean you can’t have a little dessert. This berry crisp features mixed berries and oats—both proven to help you drop weight. Strawberries, blueberries, and other berries can help your mind stay sharp. They are rich in phytochemicals that can help slow age-related memory decline. They are also high in fiber, vitamins and antioxidants–good for weight loss and your skin.
You’ll Need
- Old-fashioned rolled oats
- White whole wheat flour
- Sliced almonds
- Cinnamon
- Kosher salt
- Unsalted butter
- Pure maple syrup
- Mixed berries
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
- Cornstarch
