Playing detective is fun, but not when you’re trying to make dinner. Chef Joanie Simon is blowing the lid off of where calories might hide in three of our favorite crockpot recipes.

1. Chocolate Cherry Steel Cut Oats

Try this chocolate cherry oat meal recipe, which uses steel cut oats instead of rolled oats. Steel cut oats are healthier than rolled oats because they contain more fiber – which is good for your digestive health, and keeps your stomach feeling fuller longer. But what’s oat meal without the toppings, right? Don’t be afraid to sweeten your oat meal with some fruits – but choose fresh or frozen fruits over dried fruit, as dried fruits contain a lot of hidden sugars. We guarantee this breakfast will have you feeling your oats!

Ingredients

Chocolate Cherry Steel Cut Oats

Cooking spray

1.5 cups water

1/2 cup steel cut oats

3/4 cup frozen cherries (12 large)

1/4 tsp salt

2 tbs agave nectar or 1 tsp stevia or monkfruit

1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions

Spray the inside of the insert of a slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Combine all ingredients into the slow cooker, stir to combine and cover. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. Serve hot topped with additional agave nectar, cocoa nibs and unsweetened almond milk.

2. Sweet and Sour Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Traditionally, sweet and sour chicken is made with tons of brown sugar. For a healthier substitute, swap out the brown sugar with mandarin oranges, which will add sweetness naturally. Vinegar is another ingredient whose flavor will pack a punch without adding all the extra calories. And by using lettuce wraps, you’ll spare yourself all the extra carbs and calories that regular starchy wraps contain.  

3. Beef and Broccoli

Skip the takeout and dine in tonight with this healthier beef and broccoli recipe. Typically this dish is made with chuck beef, which is high in fat and caloric content. Instead, opt for a top round steak which contains less fat and has about a hundred calories less per serving than chuck roast. Now this is a recipe we have no beef with!

What diet hacks do you swear by? Tell us on our Facebook page, @TheListShowTV.

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