By Reston Hartsell and Tsz- Kiu Chui
September is the month of the year that gets us excited about fall. Temperature fluctuations have many, including myself, hopelessly optimistic about cooler temperatures, leaves changing colors, Labor Day festivities, and plenty of college football. Rather than looking forward to the sea of orange that fills Neyland Stadium on game day, others view September as the month prior to seasonal pumpkin treats (Starbucks fans rejoice!). While it is exciting to think all of the activities and festivities that occur during the month, it is worth mentioning that September runs the gauntlet for health awareness issues, such as Childhood Cancer Awareness; Blood Cancer Awareness; Ovarian Cancer Awareness; National Food Safety Education; Healthy Aging; National Childhood Obesity Awareness; Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (RAINN); and even National Yoga Awareness!
Your health, according to the World Health Organization, is “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”1 To prevent disease, physically speaking, we all can do our part to eat our fair share of pumpkin treats (Kidding! Moderation is the key!). On a more serious note, taking care of our social well-being is key when we are stressed and overworked. When I need to decompress and reflect, I often reminisce about the fun times of playing Catch Phrase during the holidays or thinking of memories of staying up too late telling stories with friends. Of all places, the kitchen table was where these fun times occurred, and I often didn’t want to remove myself from the fun to cook or clean up the dishes. Yet, eating is a special event that allows us to further be in communion with those around us. If you should find yourself away from the table making a meal, why not try something easy like cooking with a crockpot?
If you are like me and want to find more time to be with your friends, while cooking at the same time, I recommend getting “crocky.” Yes, I’m creating a word, but stick with me for a moment. The art of getting “crocky” is the state of cooking in a crockpot (or slow cooker), while simultaneously enjoying one’s social environment, preferably in one’s home with or without a glass of wine. Crockpots are convenient, affordable, easy-to-use, and fun! There are numerous uses for crockpots that range from snack mixes to desserts. However, for the sake of our physical well-being, delicious nutritious crockpot cooking is key. If you are busy, tired and overwhelmed with work, crockpots may offer you an escape from the routine question of asking yourself, “What should I make for dinner?” Rocky Top, it is time to get “crocky!” Let’s make September the month to bring back the crockpots. Happy September, Crock Potters!
Caramelized Apple Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Want a hot and ready-to-eat oatmeal for breakfast? Try this recipe! You can simply make this before you go to bed and enjoy your freshly cooked oatmeal in the morning!
View recipe: http://nourishingjoy.com/caramelized-apple-slow-cooker-oatmeal/
Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup
Craving for soup? You can make it as simple as this recipe. More importantly, it’s easy and delicious!
View recipe: http://allrecipes.com/recipe/89539/slow-cooker-chicken-tortilla-soup/
Company Pot Roast
You can’t leave pot roast out when cooking with your crock pot! This recipe might take a little more time for preparation in advance, but it’s going to be well worth it.
View Recipe: http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/company-pot-roast
Snack: Pumpkin Nutella Slow Cooker Granola
It’s Fall! You got to have pumpkin! Try this easy recipe with your crackpot to make your own seasonal granola.
View Recipe: http://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/2014/10/22/nutella-pumpkin-slow-cooker-granola/
For More Crockpot Recipes Please Visit The Link Below:
http://greatist.com/eat/healthy-crock-pot-recipes-for-breakfast
http://www.cookinglight.com/food/top-rated-recipes/slow-cooker-favorites
- Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946 by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization, no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.
Reston Hartsell Contact
UT Knoxville
Reston is a graduate student in the Healthy Eating and Activity Laboratory. He received his Bachelor’s of Science in Health Sciences from Furman University in Greenville, SC. He is a dual graduate student seeking a Master’s of Science in Nutrition with a concentration in Public Health Nutrition and a Master’s of Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Education. His hobbies include cooking, ceramics, tennis, and being outside.
Tsz- Kiu Chui Contact
UT Knoxville
Kiu is originally from Hong Kong and is currently a graduate student pursuing her Master’s of Science degree in Public Health Nutrition at UT. She’s also a registered dietitian, who practiced in both clinical and community settings, with a passion to inspire people to enjoy healthy food. When Kiu is not in school, she’s probably traveling, making Chinese food or playing volleyball.