By Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D.

Resolved:  I will lose weight, save money and be healthier in the new year. Sound familiar? If you made even just one of these resolutions this year, I have a tip for how to get started…use your slow cooker. Sound wacky? Find out how this one handy piece of kitchen equipment can help you meet your new year’s resolutions (and if your resolution is to revive 1970s cooking methods, even better!).

If your resolution is to:  Lose weight

How the slow cooker can help:  Cooking at home is a great first step in trying to get your diet under control. Since slow–cooked food relies on long, moisture-rich cooking, you can use less oil than if you were cooking with dry heat in the oven or on the stove. Using your slow cooker to make dinner means that dinner is ready when you get in the door—no more hungrily snacking on other food while preparing dinner.

Recipes to Try:  20 Low-Calorie Meals from Your Crockpot

If your resolution is to:  Cook more healthy meals

How the slow cooker can help:  Using a slow cooker can save you major time preparing meals. By prepping ingredients and putting them in the pot before you leave for work in the morning, you know that when you come home dinner will be waiting. Bonus: Use the extra time you save and hit the gym after work.

Don’t Miss:  The 5 Healthy Meals You Should Learn to Make This Year

If your resolution is to:  Save money

How the slow cooker can help:  Crock pots lend themselves to stews and other one-pot meals that let you stretch more expensive ingredients, like meat, further.

Recipes to Try:  Slow-Cooker Recipes for $3 or Less per Serving

Chances are a slow-cooked meal will yield leftovers. Bring leftovers for lunch the next day and you’ll save on lunch money.

Recipes to Try:  Crock Pot Recipes to Cook Once, Eat Twice

Don’t Miss:  7 Secrets to Making Better Crock Pot Meals