Eat Chili--Eat Healthy

And.....we're back!!!

I take full responsibility for this blog's neglected state.  Well, it certainly doesn't look neglected--it looks very pretty (thanks, Kel!).  But for the lack of posts--yeah, that's my fault.

But it's a new year and we're off to a fresh start!  

Speaking of fresh starts, for a lot of people, the new year is a time to get healthy.  Whether is by losing weight, exercising more, eating better, people are committing (or re-committing) to taking care of themselves. And, like a lot people, I've got tips on how do that.   

Today's tip:  CHILI!!

I know, I know, chili is probably not what you think of when you think of healthy.  And, certainly, chili that comes on top of a bunch of fries with loads of cheese won't lead you down the path to a better body.  

But homemade chili can be really healthy--and DELICIOUS.  Make it with a lean protein, fiber-filled beans, lots of veggies--and it's a tasty, good-for-you meal.  I happen to love chili, especially this time of year and especially when I can just throw it all in the slow cooker and let it simmer away all day.  Because that's the other thing about chili--it's EASY.  

So here are a few of my faves.  And I did copy all the pictures from the blogs where I got these recipes because I wouldn't want to butcher their tasty work with my ugly photos.  

Sweet Potato Chili  
(adapted from crockpot365.com)

photo from crockpot365.com

This is my latest favorite.  Follow the link for the original recipe, but here's my slightly adapted version:

Ingredients:

1/2 lb or 1 lb (depending on how meaty you like your chili--I use less) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 sweet potatoes, peeled and in 2-inch chunks
1 yellow onion, diced (I leave this out for my husband who is prejudiced against onions)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 (15-ounce) can red kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed 

1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 (14.5-ounce) can tomatoes 

1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 1/2 cups chicken broth

Directions

Place sweet potatoes and onions in crock pot.  Follow with the chicken, red bell pepper, can of tomatoes, the beans, garlic, and seasonings. Pour in chicken broth. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the onion is translucent and the sweet potato is fork-tender.  

You can go one of two ways with this chili.  Cut the sweet potatoes in bigger chunks and cook the chili for less time, which keeps the sweet potatoes more intact.  Or you cut the potatoes in smaller chunks, cook for a longer time, which results in sweet potatoes that fall apart and kind of mix into the chili, thickening and sweetening it and disguising the sweet potatoes from picky children.  I do a mixture of both ways, some big chunks and some little ones that I mash into the chili.

Top with cheese, sour cream, chips or cornbread.  It's sweet and smoky and YUMMY.  And healthy!

These next two chilis I'm just going to give you the links for because they're basically perfect just as they are.  They come from one the best food blogs out there: ourbestbites.com

photo from ourbestbites.com

White Chicken Chili

 A nice change from the traditional tomato-based chilis and oh so easy and oh so good.  This one is light, yet filling.  I could eat bowls and bowls of it.  

photo from ourbestbites.com

Chipotle Chocolate Chili

I know, you're probably thinking, chocolate?  In chili??  Yes, that's right and the combination is magical.  The little bit of chocolate in it gives the chili this rich, deep flavor.  It's sure to warm your tummy up.  Try it, you won't regret it.

And there you have it.  Three delicious ways to be healthy, warm and satisfied!