No time to cook healthy Meals?

"I don't have time to cook." This is the most common excuse people use when they are trying to get in shape. You know what? I don't want to hear it. If you're truly committed to changing your life, you will find a way to eat healthfully. Every day. Here's a really great, healthy, time-saving tip to get you started: Buy a slow cooker. Every morning, just toss in the ingredients and turn it on. By the time you get home from work, or running around car pooling the kids from one practice to another, you'll have a healthy, one-pot meal waiting for you. You can handle that, right?

Give it a try with this easy and delicious slow-cooker recipe:

Texas Chili

Serves 6; 300 calories per serving

3 pounds chuck beef stew meat, fat trimmed, cubed
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1⁄4 cup chili powder
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons quick-cooking tapioca
1 tablespoon oregano
1 teaspoon cumin
2 cubes beef bouillon
1 teaspoon black pepper
14 1⁄2-ounce can fat-free beef broth
1⁄2 medium onion, finely chopped

Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and mix well. Cover and cook on low 8 hours. Stir chili well before serving. Sprinkle low-fat cheddar cheese on top if desired.

Get Creative With Your Appliances
Microwaves can be used for steaming; blenders can whip up a mean smoothie, as well as chop veggies and mince herbs; and indoor grills cook meat in minutes. And it might seem totally obvious, but don't forget your freezer. Use your slow cooker to make a double batch of soup and immediately freeze half. You'll have a ready-made meal for the future, and you won't get bored eating soup five days in a row!