Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Style Beef

Eat. Live. Be. for a Better 2011 Challenge Week 3

This week the group is talking about their biggest challenge to living a healthier lifestyle.  I really thought about it and I think that planning and prioritizing (or lack thereof) are my biggest challenges.  Planning healthy meals and actually having everything on hand to make what I plan is key.  I don't know how many times I have been missing one ingredient from five potential meals!  Straying from a healthy meal plan can be dangerous since my fall back tends to be pizza or pasta.  Planning is also extremely important in my goal not to waste.  I still struggle with overbuying produce!  There is something about a bunch of beets or a big bell pepper that I find irresistible - okay I'm weird ;)    I also have to keep in mind that I am cooking for two, not four when the girls are at school. 

I have been trying hard to stay on track.  I have made it a habit to pack a healthy breakfast to eat at the office every day.  The few extra minutes are well worth it since I feel better and tend not to eat as much the rest of the day.  This morning I had yogurt with fresh blueberries and a sprinkle of maple granola - so good.  I also have made it a point to not deprive myself when I really want something.  When I had a craving for nachos, I had them.  I just made sure that my plate was filled with plenty of lettuce, avocado and salsa.  I added shredded beef, cheddar cheese, and some crushed tortilla chips.  It was so delicious and satisfying!  No more craving and not too much guilt.  When I crave chocolate, I have a square of Trader Joe's dark chocolate with Valencia peanuts - delicious.  

A healthy lifestyle takes some planning and requires making some time for yourself.  The time that you give yourself to exercise or make a healthy meal will be rewarded.  Have a wonderful week! 

I want to share the recipe that I used for my nachos which would be great for upcoming Super Bowl parties.  I used 2 lbs of rump roast which was really lean since it was grass-fed beef (from Simply Grazin').  Yes, I spent $12.50 on meat for tacos/nachos!  I hardly ever buy beef, so when I do, I buy really good quality.  The meat goes a long way too so actually it is a good value. 

Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Style Beef
Courtesy:   Cooking Light

2 lb. london broil or lean beef roast (trimmed of fat)
taco seasoning - homemade or from a packet
1 (4.5 oz) can chopped green chiles
1 chopped onion
1 tablespoon white vinegar

Spray the inside of the slow cooker with vegetable oil spray.  Coat the trimmed beef with taco seasoning.  Place in slow cooker.  Top with chopped green chilis, chopped onion and white vinegar.  Cook on low for 8-9 hours.  Shred with two forks. 

Perfect lean, tasty shredded beef for tacos, burritos, nachos, etc.  Enjoy!