The following are easy substitutions and tips for making meals healthily in the slow cooker without sacrificing flavor.
Choose lean cuts of meat and use only 94 percent lean ground beef, pork, turkey, and chicken.
Remove any visible fat from meats prior to adding them to the slow cooker.
Brown meats and drain off the grease before slow cooking.
Use fat-free evaporated milk instead of heavy cream or whole milk.
Make your own sauces using evaporated milk or broth instead of using canned soup.
Use less butter or oil and more herbs and spices.
Low-fat versions of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese work well in the slow cooker.
Sticking is not an issue in the slow cooker, so at least halve the amount of butter or oil in a traditional recipe to convert it to slow cooking.
Use lots of fresh, fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and legumes to leave you feeling full with little or no fat needed.
Use cooking spray instead of butter or oil to grease the slow cooker insert or skillets.