Feb 12, 2014 2 min read

Life is pretty unpredictable. You may have the best intentions at the start of this new year to eat better, exercise more and stress less but things happen. It’s OK. I am a big believer in making small changes. Over time, small changes turn into habits and habits turn into solid routines. Health is not all or nothing.

This time of year I really rely on my slow cooker to help me get real food on the table for my family. Slow cookers are a great way to prepare healthy meals.

Even if life gets crazy, it’s nice to have my slow cooker doing its thing all day long. It may not be perfect, but at least it is homemade. It is made with love. It is healthy. It is warm.

Having a great go-to recipe that is predictable makes life easier. You know, a family favorite recipe that is easy to make, pretty inexpensive and makes your house smell simply amazing. Those are the recipes that end up being made weekly.

This is one of those recipes. Add it to your favorite list, my friend. Make your life a little easier, a little predictable.

Slow-cooked Tomato Pepper Chicken

Ingredients:

3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (preferably organic and/or from a local farm)

1 green pepper, chopped

1/2 onion, chopped

3 stalks of celery, chopped

1 large can of stewed tomatoes

Salt and pepper

1 pound of small white potatoes

1/2 cup milk of your choice

1 tablespoon organic butter

1 bag of organic green beans

Put the chicken, onion, green pepper, tomatoes and celery in a slow cooker. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook on slow for about 6 hours on Low. Add the green beans about 30 minutes before wanting to eat. In the meantime, boil the potatoes for about 20 minutes. Poke fork to check when they are done. When done, drain water. Add a little bit of milk and smash with a potato masher. Add butter. Serve chicken and veggies over smashed potatoes.

Betsy J. Moore is a nutrition and wellness coach. Contact her at http://www.bmoorehealthy.com, http://twitter.com/BMooreHealthy or https://www.facebook.com/BMooreHealthy.