Slow Cooker Taco Soup

Many times, in the hectic aspects of life and trying to eat healthier, we struggle to discover the ways we can enjoy healthy meals without sacrificing flavor? Once I found out about a gene mutation, I had to begin changing my recipes and adjusting, but as always, I decided to take a mixture of recipes I enjoy and create flavors which work well for me.

The following recipe allows me to remain dedicated to my THM lifestyle. It provides a healthy, low carb meal with a high-fat content. This style meal is recognized as an "S" meal, or satisfying, for those who are following a similar plan. The recipe allows you to play around and adjust it to the tastes of your family. The following exploration will provide insight into a new method to create your own healthy ranch dressing powder, the recipe for an enjoyable Taco Soup, and some ideas on how to enhance and compliment this recipe! I hope you will enjoy it as much as my family and I do!

It also proves a recipe similar to my Spanish Chicken & Rice dish, but shifting from an "E" meal, or higher carb, moving to the lower carb idea. Since many people have begun turning to a low carb lifestyle, I thought this recipe might provide an excellent suggestion when someone wants to look for low carb!

Before delving into the original recipe, I want to share my wonderful "dry" ranch recipe! In this recipe, you have a dry rub, or you can mix with either Greek Yogurt or Coconut Milk for a creamy ranch recipe! I typically increase my recipe and fill up a quart mason jar I vacuum seal and keep ready for future recipes!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 C. powdered buttermilk
• 1/4 C. Dried Parsley Leaves
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Dill Weed
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Onion Powder
• 1 1/2 Tbsp. Salt
• 2 Tsp. Garlic Powder
• 1 Tsp. Basil Leaf
• 3/4 Tsp. Pepper

Combine all ingredients, you can toss them all in an airtight container, then close and mix together! Can use whenever you want, or utilize 1 tbsp. of the mixture with 1/3 c. of Greek Yogurt or 1/4 c. Coconut Milk and enjoy your homemade creamy ranch dressing!

I have shared this recipe recently, but since this taste adds to the valuable aspect of the flavors within this recipe! Similar to the Dry Ranch Powder, this recipe will allow you to prepare a seasoning that you can use in several recipes. I prefer recipes I can prepare all ingredients like this for and still discover the perfect recipe!

Combine the following ingredients (I keep mine in a pint jar I vacuum seal to keep fresh!)

• 4 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
• 1/2 c. Onion Powder
• 2 Tbsp. Black Pepper
• 3/4 c. Chili Powder
• 4 Tbsp. Mineral Salt
• 2 Tbsp. Smoked Paprika
• 4 Tbsp. Cumin
• 2 Tbsp. Cayenne Pepper

Keeping this mixture prepared ahead of time, you are sure to elect it as a "go-to" for most "taco" style dishes you crave! You can add or remove the Cayenne to suit your family's tastes!

When many people think about a simple taco soup, they wonder what is the best choice for a side dish which can provide just a little flare. Myself, I love a fresh salad! I just prefer a different take to creating this salad! I create a guacamole side salad which allows the meal to remain low carb while still providing a "Mexican" style salad which complements this soup very well! Another great option is avocado deviled eggs! Sometimes, when things are hectic, I prefer to toss together a quick batch of low carb brownies to add a touch of sweetness to close up the meal! The ability to keep this meal one the

The ability to keep this meal one the entire family will love is the flexibility! Food is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated, but if a meal takes a long time to prepare, it really looses its flair and enjoyment! I always strive to prepare meals that are easy, yet still flavorful. When your family looks back at their lives, you always want to know they can smile about the meals they were able to enjoy together. It is even better when you can look back and identify how these meals remain healthy and nutritious!

When looking at this recipe, you have the opportunity to identify how flavorful, healthy recipes do not require us to sacrifice flavor! Healthy, fulfilling meals help to provide our bodies with the food and nutrition we need to remain active and in top health! We cannot look at food to be a "restraint" that is ruled by diet. Instead, it is important to embrace food and flavor in a balanced manner to provide the nutrition your body needs. Diets are approached with enthusiasm, but quickly begin to fade. When we embrace a healthy lifestyle, it is something we can maintain, celebrate, and enjoy!

The discovery of the need to make many changes in my life led me to recognize how we need to embrace meals and "lifestyles" which allow us to celebrate and enjoy the flavor but to be successful, there must be passion and enjoyment. You cannot take away the things you and/or your family enjoys and just pile on tons of bland foods. Instead, seek out ways to "alter" your family's favorite recipes to something which remains healthy. It is the reason while many suggest ground beef for this recipe, I have discovered I prefer ground turkey! The change is a personal choice, but each person has their preference, so be sure to take that in consideration as your prepare this meal!