Refocus on your health with Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Anne Kolbert knows there’s something special about this time of year at Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

“The new year is the perfect time to restart healthy habits,” she says. “It’s about new beginnings; new resolutions and it’s a new chance to reach your goal weight.”

Just getting started or restarted? We’re here to support you to help reach those goals.

Anne is a manager at the Troy location of Medical Weight Loss Clinic. She and her team are ready to welcome new and existing patients to make the most of 2025. After the overindulgence of the holiday season, these early months are an ideal time for us all to get back to the healthy basics.

For Anne, that means trying out new recipes at MWLC.com, planning ahead when you’re going to eat at a restaurant and keeping a daily food journal to track supplement, meals, daily protein and water intake.

Noura Kanouna, medical assistant at the Troy clinic agrees.

“Daily visits with your consultants, as well as filling out your food journal will allow you to be accountable and help us to counsel you as well,” she says.

Noura suggests patients should come in three times a week to recommit to a healthy personalized program. She and Anne shared the following tips to keep in mind between those visits:

• Measuring and weighing out foods can prevent overeating.

• Eating a variety of protein, fruits, vegetables and starches can keep a diet interesting and beneficial for our health.

• Using apps to track foods online will help you make mindful eating choices.

• Making sure to have a working food scale and measure and weigh portions will avoid going off track.

Imagine how much you can achieve by next year?

Now is the time to recommit to your weight loss journey. We are here to help. Schedule your free consultation today at MWLC.com.

Spiced Carrots

Updated: 11/14/23

Serve Spiced Carrots with your favorite roasted protein for a warm and comforting meal.

Spiced Carrots

Servings:
2 Vegetables

Suitable for all Freedom meal plans only

Ingredients:
1 cup Carrots, peeled and cut into small slices
1/8 tsp. Ginger, freshly grated
1/8 tsp. Jalapeno, minced
1 tsp. Ground Black Pepper
½ tsp. Ground Coriander
1/8 tsp. Ground Cumin
1/8 tsp. Curry Powder
¼ cup Cilantro, freshly chopped
¼ cup Water
Juice of a fresh Lime, to taste

Preparation:
Measure the ginger, jalapeño, black pepper, coriander, cumin and curry powder in a bowl, and set aside. Add water and carrots to a sauté pan and bring to a boil.  Cover and saute carrots until slightly tender.  Add the spice bowl mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until carrots are tender.  Remove from heat and add the lime juice and cilantro, stir.

Chili-Garlic Grilled Chicken with Cherry Salsa

Tart, sweet and spicy - what’s not to like?

Chili-Garlic Grilled Chicken with Cherry Salsa

Servings:
1 Vegetable
1 Protein
1 Fruit

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients: 
1 clove Garlic, chopped
1 tsp Chili Powder
1 Tbsp Lime Zest
¼ cup fresh Lime Juice divided, plus wedges for serving
Freshly ground Black Pepper
1 serving Chicken Breast, Boneless and Skinless
9 medium Cherries, pitted and chopped
1 small Shallot, chopped
½ Jalapeno, seeded and chopped
¼ cup fresh Cilantro, chopped

Preparation:
Combine garlic, chili powder, 3 tablespoons oil, lime zest and 2 tablespoons juice, and ½ teaspoon pepper in a large zip-top bag. Add chicken, seal, and turn to coat. Marinate, in the refrigerator, 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.

Meanwhile, combine cherries, shallot, jalapeño, cilantro, and remaining 2 tablespoons lime juice in a bowl. Season with pepper. Let stand 15 minutes.

Heat grill to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade and pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Grill over direct heat, covered, until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, 6 to 8 minutes per side.

Let stand 5 minutes. Serve with salsa and lime wedges.

Turkish Spice Mix

Updated: 12/26/24

Turkish Spice Mix

Servings:
Counts as nothing

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
6 Tbsp Paprika
3 Tbsp Mint, dried
2 Tbsp Cinnamon, ground
2 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Cumin Seed, coarsely ground
2 tsp Black Pepper
1 tsp Cloves, ground

Preparation:
Combine paprika, mint, cinnamon, garlic powder, cumin, pepper and cloves in a small bowl. Stir well to recombine after storing.

This can be made ahead and stored airtight at room temperature for up to 3 months.

To make a vinaigrette with the spice mix: Combine 2 Tbsp. dry mix with 1/3 cup red-wine, white-wine or cider vinegar and 2 Tbsp. water in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well combined. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients start the new year with RE3, a new supplement for better health

Medical Weight Loss Clinic staff and patients are kicking off 2025 with a brand new product. It’s called RE3, which stands for Release, Reduce and Refine. Already, a few patients are finding it helpful.

When your digestive system is unbalanced, feeling of bloating, fatigue and constipation can be a concern. Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients are trying a new pill, RE3, to ease those symptoms and support intestinal health.

“RE3 is a gentle and fast acting supplement that releases the layers of build-up in the colon for an overall feeling of well-being,” said Kelly Smith, director of operations and Medical Weight Loss Clinic. “With pollution and harmful additives everywhere, our gut can have a lot of toxic build up. This plays a negative role on our colon and affects digestion and overall health.”

Shelly Kwiatkowski has been a patient at the Ann Arbor location of Medical Weight Loss Clinic for a year. She’s been taking RE3 for about three weeks and said it took only days to feel the benefits on her digestion.

“It seems to really regulate me,” Shelly says. She has reached her goal weight, losing more than 42 pounds with Medical Weight Loss Clinic. Still, Shelly plans to continue taking the medication and would recommend it to anyone else struggling.

The kind of support patients see from RE3 includes enhanced absorption of proteins and vitamins. Kelly adds that this is necessary for both physical and mental health. It’s an improvement patients can feel right away.

“People tend to feel lighter when their colon is flushed,” she says. “This helps eliminate feelings of bloat.”

Felecia Heard also began taking RE3 in mid-December 2024 due to concerns about bloating. Within the first two weeks, she experienced a reduction in her symptoms. While she’s recently seen a resurgence, Felecia says she’ll continue to monitor how she’s feeling over the next month.

“I recommend consuming ample water to maximize the product’s benefits,” Felecia adds. She has lost more than 35 pounds with Medical Weight Loss Clinic’s Fast Track 1.0 plan and believes “consistency is key” to achieving her goal. 

Jordan Stewart, director of special projects at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, has a keen understanding of all the products and supplements available to help patients. She says RE3 can offer six important benefits to those experiencing digestive symptoms:

•             Reduces the accumulation of waste

•             Reduces bloating

•             Reduces inflammation

•             Patients report they feel lighter

•             It contributed to good intestinal health

•             Reduces constipation 

“The body becomes unable to perform daily activities when the colon is backed up with toxic material,” Kelly adds. “When free of this material, the colon can properly process foods and help us to stay feeling full longer.”

Are you interested in trying RE3 for yourself? Medical Weight Loss Clinic professionals are available to support your healthy journey today. Schedule your free consultation with us today at MWLC.com.

Chilled Lobster Salad Lettuce Wraps

Check out our healthier take on a Chilled Lobster Salad Lettuce Wrap - fresh flavors accented by lemon juice!

Chilled Lobster Salad Lettuce Wraps

Servings:
1 Protein
2 Vegetables
1 Starch

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
¼ cup Corn, cooked
1 portion Lobster meat, cooked and chilled
5 Cherry Tomatoes, sliced in half
2 tsp Chives, chopped
1 fresh Lemon, juiced
Ground Black Pepper to taste
2 Romaine Lettuce leaves, rinsed and dried

Preparation:
Place lobster in a large pot of boiling water and cook 10-12 minutes until lobster is a bright vivid red color, set aside to cool then chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes.

Cook corn, drain and set aside to cool.

Chop chilled lobster meat from tails and claws into large bite sized chunks; add to the bowl.

Add corn, tomatoes, chives, lemon juice and fresh cracked pepper toss to combine.

Place lettuce leaves on plate and top with lobster salad.

Start the New Year on a healthy path with help from Medical Weight Loss Clinic

As the New Year begins, many of us go right to work setting fresh goals, with health and weight loss often topping the list. Monifa Khorshid, our Canton clinic manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, sees it regularly.

It’s a new year and Medical Weight Loss Clinic can help motivate you to make it the best one yet.

She offers her insight into how to turn our hopes and resolutions into long-term success.

“When a new patient comes in with New Year’s weight loss goals, as a weight loss coach, we start by focusing on small, sustainable lifestyle changes rather than drastic diets,” Monifa explains. “We emphasize the importance of setting realistic, measurable goals and exploring their current eating and exercise habits to identify areas for improvement.

Monifa Khorshid, Canton clinic manager at Medical Weight Loss Clinic, is ready to help you start the new year off in the healthiest way possible. Find out how.

“This helps them build a healthy foundation for long-term success without feeling overwhelmed by drastic changes.”

According to Monifa, the key to success lies in understanding your current daily habits. “Once you’ve decided to lose weight, it’s crucial to evaluate your energy-in, or diet, and energy-out, or movement.”

Here are Monifa's tips for starting your weight loss journey:

1. Follow a Healthy Eating Plan

2. Take Baby Steps

3. Set Realistic Goals

4. Reward, Don’t Punish

5. Get a Buddy

6. Track Your Meals

7. Add Exercise

8. Seek guidance from a weight loss coach to stay accountable and motivated

Monifa reminds us that the New Year provides a psychological "clean slate" that encourages positive changes. Let’s make the most of it.

"It's an opportunity to focus on a 'new you' with fresh goals and a renewed sense of purpose," she says.

Are you looking for a fresh start to your healthy program? Medical Weight Loss Clinic professionals can help. Schedule your free consultation with us today at MWLC.com.

Garlic & Chive Spice Mix

Updated: 12/26/24
Versatile enough to season your favorite protein or make a quick salad dressing.

Garlic & Chive Spice Mix

Servings:
Counts as nothing

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
6 Tbsp Chives, dried
5 Tbsp minced Garlic, dried
3 Tbsp Dill, dried
1 tsp Black Pepper

Preparation:
Combine chives, garlic, dill, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir well to recombine after storing.

This can be made ahead and stored in an airtight for up to 3 months.

To make a vinaigrette with the spice mix: Combine 2 Tbsp. dry mix with 1/3 cup red-wine, white-wine or cider vinegar and 2 Tbsp. water in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake until well combined. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Beef Broccoli

Updated: 12/9/24

Beef Broccoli

Servings:
1 Protein
2 Vegetables
1 Starch

Suitable for Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
1 serving lean Beef, thin sliced
¼ medium Green Pepper sliced
¼ medium Onion sliced
1 cup Broccoli
1 serving Kraft Fat Free French Dressing
1 pinch fresh grated Ginger
Unflavored non-stick cooking spray
¼ cooked brown rice OR ½ cup cooked Soba Noodles

Preparation:
Spray bottom of large skillet with unflavored cooking spray on medium heat brown the beef on all sides. Add the onion, green pepper, broccoli and ¼ cup of water simmer until beef is down and vegetables are tender.

Add the fresh grated ginger and the French dressing cook on low for 10 minutes stirring all of the ingredients together.

Cook brown rice or soba noodles per package. Serve the Beef Broccoli mixture over the brown rice or soba noodles

Vinegar Salad Dressing

Updated: 3/18/22

Vinegar Salad Dressing

Servings:
Counts as nothing

Suitable for all Freedom and Fast Track meal plans

Ingredients:
1 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
2 Tbsp juice from a fresh Lemon
2 tsp. fresh Onion, finely chopped
2 servings Stevia
½ tsp. Dry Mustard
1 tsp. Paprika

Preparation:
Combine all ingredients. Refrigerate. Shake well before using. Note: This dressing may be kept for several weeks refrigerated in a closed container.

Sweet & Sour Shrimp

Updated: 12/9/24

Sweet & Sour Shrimp

Servings:
1 Protein
1 Fruit
1 Vegetable
1 Starch

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans 

Ingredients:
1 serving Shrimp
2/3 cups cubed Pineapple
¼ medium Red Pepper
¼ medium Red Onion
1 serving of Kraft Fat Free French Dressing
¼ cup Brown Rice, cooked
½ tsp fresh Garlic, minced
Unflavored Non-Stick Cooking Spray

Preparation:
Prepare brown rice according to the direction on the box and set aside.  Spray a medium skillet with unflavored cooking spray. Add minced garlic, red pepper, onion and shrimp and cook on medium heat, cook shrimp on both sides for 6 minutes each.  Add the pineapple and Kraft Fat Free French Dressing cook on low for 5 minutes mixing all the ingredients together. Serve over the brown rice.

Chicken Fajita Rollups

Updated: 12/9/24

Equally colorful as it is tasty, Chicken Fajita Roll Ups are easy to make for a crowd.

Chicken Fajita Roll Ups

Servings:
2 Vegetables
1 Protein

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients: 

For the Marinade:
1 fresh Lime, juiced
1 clove Garlic, minced
1 tsp. Chili Powder
½ tsp. Cumin
½ tsp. Oregano
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper (optional)
2 Tbsp Cilantro, chopped

For the Chicken:
1 serving Chicken Breasts, sliced as cutlets or ¼ inch thick
¼ Red Bell Pepper, sliced
¼ Yellow Bell Pepper, sliced
¼ Green Bell Pepper, sliced
¼ medium Onion, sliced

Preparation:
In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne (if using) and cilantro.  Set aside.

For the chicken breasts, slice longways into even slices and firmly pound the chicken using the smooth side of a meat tenderizer to an even thickness of about ¼ inch.

Place chicken into a large re-sealable freezer bag and pour marinade over top, making sure they are completely coated.  Allow chicken to marinate for a minimum of one hour to overnight.

Once chicken has marinated, evenly place bell pepper slices in the middle of the chicken cutlet, roll up and secure with toothpick.  Repeat this step until all cutlets have been rolled up and place seam side down in a prepared baking dish. 

Brush tops of chicken with remaining marinade and bake, uncovered at 375 degrees for about 25 to 30 minutes or until the juices run clear.  Serve and enjoy!

Bloody Mary Mocktail

Updated: 12/9/24

Bloody Mary Mocktail

Servings:
2 Vegetables

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
1 small Tomato, chopped
¼ Cucumber, chopped
½ cup Celery, chopped
1 cup Water
1 cup Ice
1 pinch Cayenne Pepper
½ tsp. Turmeric
½ Tbsp juice from a fresh Lemon
Fresh Black Pepper, to taste
½ inch piece fresh Horseradish, peeled and grated

Preparation:
Blend all ingredients together and enjoy with ice!

Vanilla Peppermint Shake

Thank you for the recipe Sigrid!

Vanilla Peppermint Shake

Servings:
1 Nutritional Supplement

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
1 MWLC Vanilla Pudding Shake Nutritional Supplement, prepared
3 Ice Cubes
2 drops of Mint Extract

Preparation:
Mix all ingredients together in a blender for 30 seconds and serve.

Tuxedo Truffles

Updated: 12/9/24

Can’t decide between Chocolate and Vanilla? You don’t have to!

Tuxedo Truffles

Servings:
3 Nutritional Supplements

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
2 MWLC Chocolate Pudding Shake Nutritional Supplements
1 MWLC Vanilla Pudding Shake Nutritional Supplement
Water

Preparation:
Pour the 2 Chocolate Pudding Shake packets into a small bowl and slowly add water, stirring until the consistency resembles a thick dough. 

Pour the Vanilla Pudding Shake into a small bowl.  Use a melon baller or spoon to scoop the chocolate dough and roll it into a small ball and roll it into the Vanilla powder.  Repeat the process and place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, refrigerating until chilled.  

Makes 3 servings.

Mocha Truffles

Updated: 12//9/24

Satisfy your sweet tooth with some Mocha Madness!

Mocha Truffles

Servings:
3 Nutritional Supplements

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
2 MWLC Chocolate Pudding Shake Nutritional Supplements
1 MWLC Mocha Pudding Shake Nutritional Supplements
Water

Preparation:
Pour the 2 Chocolate Pudding Shake packets into a small bowl and slowly add water, stirring until the consistency resembles a thick dough. 

Pour the Mocha Pudding Shake into a small bowl.  Use a melon baller or spoon to scoop the chocolate dough and roll it into a small ball and roll it into the Mocha powder.  Repeat the process and place them in a single layer on a cookie sheet, refrigerating until chilled.  

Makes 3 servings.

Give the gift of fitness with Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Whether you’re a Medical Weight Loss Clinic patient seeking gift ideas for yourself or a loved one looking for thoughtful, health-focused presents, we’ve got you covered. Ashley Bronson of our Southgate clinic shares her top holiday gift suggestions and tips to support loved ones in achieving their weight loss goals this season.

Fitness bands make a great gift for that healthy friend on your holiday list.

“Holiday gifts that prioritize health and wellness can be incredibly meaningful for patients on a weight loss or health journey,” Ashley says. “For example, high-quality meal prep tools like portion-controlled containers or an air fryer can make it easier to maintain healthy eating habits.”

She also recommends a high-quality water bottle with built-in tracking features that can encourage adequate hydration throughout the day -  which is essential to weight loss.

Along with proper diet and nutrition, building muscle is crucial for weight management and metabolic health, Ashley says. This means movement and strength training are key to weight loss and maintenance.

To support strength training, Ashley recommends a gift of adjustable dumbbells. Resistance bands are another useful, effective option that cost less and also make a great stocking stuffer.

Wearable fitness trackers make great gifts to encourage necessary movement.

“They provide insights into daily activity levels, heart rate, and sleep quality, helping patients stay motivated and on track with their goals,” Ashley says.

And if you’re looking for a gift idea for someone focused on mindfulness, she recommends a subscription to a meditation app or a yoga mat with alignment guides that can promote stress reduction and mental well-being.

Support Beyond Gifts

While purchasing gifts that help a loved one stay focused on their weight loss and health goals are worthwhile, Ashley says free gestures also go a long way.

“Friends and family can offer tremendous support around the holidays by creating an environment that encourages healthy choices,” she says. “This could include preparing or serving nutritious meals during gatherings, avoiding excessive focus on food, and engaging in active traditions like family walks.”

She also says it’s helpful to express encouragement and celebrate non-scale victories like improved energy or fitness, rather than focusing solely on weight.

“Supporting MWLC patients with empathy and understanding can make all the difference in their success.”

Prioritizing Health and Wellness During the Holidays

Ashley notes that the holiday season can be a challenging time for those focusing on their health goals, but it’s also an opportunity to embrace balance and self-care.

She says MWLC patients should feel empowered to set boundaries and prioritize their well-being. This might mean politely declining a second serving or carving out time for physical activity.

“Remember, the journey to better health is not about perfection but about progress and sustainability.”

For more tips on meeting your health and fitness goals this holiday season or to jumpstart your weight loss journey, schedule your free consultation with us today at MWLC.com.

MWLC Pickles

Updated: 12/9/24

Crunchy, tangy and not loaded with salt. And they are incredibly easy to make!

MWLC Pickles

Serving:

1 Vegetable

Suitable for all Freedom and FastTrack meal plans

Ingredients:
½ medium Cucumber, sliced
1 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Dill Weed
1 serving Stevia
1 small Garlic clove, minced (optional)

Preparation:
Prepare the “pickles” by combining the cucumber, apple cider vinegar, dill weed and stevia in a bowl.  This can be made ahead and chilled in the refrigerator so the flavors can marinate.

Face the holidays stress-free with Medical Weight Loss Clinic

Each year the holiday season arrives filled with light, joy and family gatherings. Each year, the busyness of the season can also bring its share of stressful situations.

For Medical Weight Loss Clinic patients working hard to manage healthy eating and activities year-round, the holidays can pose an extra challenge. The stress of having more to accomplish can stand in the way of reaching our healthy goals.

Sarah St. John, manager at the Shelby Township location, can spot this kind of challenge and help patients navigate it with ease.

Stay stress-free and make your health-related wishes come true this season with Medical Weight Loss Clinic.

“This time of year, our cortisol levels rise,” she said. “Stress leads to binge eating. It leads to brain fog or a lack of focus. We can find it harder to focus on a good nutrition and exercise routine.”

It calls for a change in mindset. Sarah says that this time of year just maintaining our weight is considered a victory.

“The holidays are a handful of days,” she reminds us, “not months long.”

To help maintain progress toward a healthy goal, consider bringing a healthy dish to pass, she says. Keep portion sizes top-of-mind. And perhaps most important, Sarah suggests that patients “always eat before you go to a gathering - so you aren't hungry.”

The same food preparation and planning that works year-round will be crucial for holiday crunch time. Sarah says prepping meals ahead can relieve a lot of stress. She reminds patients that there’s a good reason to keep those healthy foods around.

“Eating healthier gives you more energy,” she says. “A poor diet or poor hydration will make you feel sluggish. Having a routine helps manage stress. ”

Plus – it feels great to know you look and feel comfortable in the outfit you choose to wear to a holiday gathering. That can be a motivating factor to stick with your personalized program.

As the candles are lit, the stockings are hung or the minutes count down to a brand new year, take a moment to step back and give yourself a little grace, too.

“Don't put so much pressure on yourself,” Sarah says. “Have realistic goals.”

Are you looking for help to set and reach those goals? Medical Weight Loss Clinic professionals are here. Schedule your free consultation with us today at MWLC.com.

Slow Cookers: Tips and Tricks

A little history lesson? The Crock Pot made its way onto the scene in the early 70’s and gave homemakers a little more freedom than they’d had before with the time it saved them in the kitchen. In the 80’s, busy people started to favor take-out, but they made a comeback at the turn of the century as the Slow Food movement garnered more and more fans. 50 years later, this handy electric countertop braiser is so popular that it’s estimated that over 100 million homes have one.

The slow cooker can serve delicious soups, stews, and delicious roasts with little effort while saving time in the kitchen. Here are a few things you should know to make the most out of your slow cooker or crock pot!

Oval or Round?
The ideal slow cooker crock should be shaped like an oval. Why? The elongation of the oval means that a greater variety of meat cuts will fit. (How many times have you discovered that your round shaped crock pot just wasn’t big enough?) Other foods do well in the oval shape because it allows the ingredients to spread out and cook more evenly. Your best bet? 6 quart (or something anywhere from the 5-7 quart range) is the most convenient size for most dishes, but when in doubt, choose the larger size as opposed to something small. For instance, the itty-bitty 1.5 quart slow cookers are cute but really are best for keeping dips and sauces warm.

Space
After you’ve selected the right size slow cooker, make sure it is at least half full because you don’t want your food to burn or dry out. But also make sure it’s not more than two-thirds full as some foods may expand. You’ll need room for the steam to move about anyways.

Wrong Size Crock Pot
What if you only have a larger sized crock pot or slow cooker but only need to make a small amount? Have no regrets! You can put your smaller amount (let’s say for a dip recipe) in a smaller dish and add 2-3 cups of hot water around the dish to create a water bath.

Head Start
Crock pots and slow cookers usually bring food up to a moderate temperature then maintain it for a long period of braising time, as it’s not an appliance typically known for speed. However, you can help the process along by bringing water or broth to a boil before adding it to the vessel. This method can also help any starches cook more evenly too.

Beef and Pork
What are the best meats for slow cooking? Tough cuts with a lot of connective tissue. The long braising process can transform more budget-friendly cuts of meat. Try beef brisket, chuck roast, or beef round. Pork butt, pork or lamb shoulder is also tasty as well. Browning your meat of choice on the stove before adding it to the crock yields in a richer, heartier flavor for not just the meat, but the gravy and sauces too.

With larger cuts of meat, add your vegetables to the bottom of the cooker first, then add the meat on top. You can also use kitchen twine to tie a beef roast or pork butt into a more even shape to ensure even cooking.

Poultry
When it comes to poultry, slow and low is the way to go! A high temperature and slow braise will actually dry out and toughen your turkey or chicken, especially the white meat. For Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cook it on low for no more than 2 hours. Turkey breasts can be cooked on low for no more than 6 hours.

Spice It Up
Slow cooking is lengthy process (hence, the name) and it’s important to remember to start with plenty of aromatics and spices, as the long cooking times can also dull flavors. Add dry spices in the beginning and fresh herbs in the end. Most slow cooker recipes call for heavier spices but don’t be scared off by extra garlic or oregano. Add vinegar, fresh herbs or citrus juice right at the end before you serve your dish.

Put a Lid On It
Slow cookers don’t have tightly sealed lids, which is perfectly fine - otherwise, you’d have a pressure cooker! The steam built up over the many hours of cooking should also slowly find its way out. Fight the urge to lift the lid to check on your food because while it takes a second to check, it takes a long time for the heat to build up in the cooker.

Vegetables
Dense vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes take longer to cook than other vegetables such as spinach or zucchini. These delicate veggies will turn mushy fairly quickly. Cut your dense vegetables into same sized pieces. Other vegetables like peppers can be stirred into the last 15 minutes while spinach can be added moments before serving.

Getting Saucy
The braising liquid left after the roast is cooked tastes delicious. Don’t let it go to waste. Skim any fat from the surface and season with fresh herbs, citrus juices, or vinegar. You can also take this liquid and puree with some of the cooked vegetables in a blender or in a bowl with an immersion stick blender to create a richer sauce.