Healthy Crockpot Pot Roast! The BEST slow cooked pot roast you will ever eat. Perfectly tender, juicy and delicious! Served with carrots and potatoes for an easy meal. Gluten Free + Low Calorie.
Ive been getting more and more requests for beef and pork recipes from clients and readers. As some of you already know, I havent been a beef eater in decades. Not because its unhealthy or cant fit into a healthy diet. Beef can certainly fit into a weight loss lifestyle!.
Its that restrictive mentality that makes weight loss feel impossible. There is no such thing as too much food. Enjoy the things you like but find ways to make them lighter and a little lower in calories. In a minute, I’ll show you how to do that with this lighter pot roast recipe.
Beef pot roast is a beloved comfort food that warms you up on chilly nights. This hearty roast slowly simmers with vegetables to create a mouthwatering family meal. But is this classic dish actually healthy? As a nutritionist, I decided to take a close look at the nutrition profile of pot roast.
While no one food alone determines your health understanding a dish’s ingredients, portion sizes and preparation is key. Let’s dive into the health aspects of pot roast – both benefits and drawbacks – so you can enjoy it as part of a balanced diet.
The Potential Benefits of Beef Pot Roast
Here are some of the positives of incorporating pot roast into your diet:
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Lean protein: A 3-ounce serving of beef provides around 25 grams of protein for muscle growth and recovery. Choose leaner cuts like round or sirloin.
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Iron: Beef contains heme iron which is more easily absorbed than plant-based iron sources. This helps prevent anemia.
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Zinc: Pot roast provides zinc which supports immunity and wound healing.
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B-vitamins: Beef is high in energizing B-vitamins like B12 and niacin.
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Selenium: Roast beef offers this essential mineral to support thyroid health.
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Anti-inflammatory fats: Grass-fed beef contains omega-3s and conjugated linoleic acid with anti-inflammatory effects.
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Appetite satisfaction The protein and fat keeps you feeling fuller longer compared to carbs alone,
So as you can see, enjoyed in moderation, beef pot roast can provide valuable nutrients as part of a healthful diet.
Potential Drawbacks of Pot Roast
However, there are some nutritional aspects of pot roast to keep in mind:
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Saturated fat: While beef contains heart-healthy fats, it also provides high levels of saturated fat. This may negatively impact cholesterol levels.
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Calories: A serving of pot roast can range from 300-600 calories depending on cut, cooking method, and portion size. It’s easy to overeat.
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Sodium: Store-bought and homemade gravy or sauce can make this dish high in sodium.
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Red meat and cancer: Some studies link high red meat intake to increased cancer risk, although more research is needed.
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Fatty cuts: Popular roasting cuts like chuck or arm contain higher fat and calories than leaner options.
To make pot roast healthier, opt for smaller portions of lean meat, load up on veggies, and limit high-sodium gravy. Practice moderation and balance for the diet that works best for you.
Tips for Making Healthy Pot Roast
Fortunately, there are easy ways to lighten up this hearty one-pot meal:
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Choose a lean cut like eye of round, sirloin tip, or bottom round for fewer calories and fat.
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Trim visible fat before cooking to reduce saturated fat intake.
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Use cooking methods like stovetop or slow cooker rather than braising which requires added fat.
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Load up on vegetables like carrots, onions, mushrooms, and potatoes to boost nutrition and cut calories.
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Swap refined flour in gravy for healthier thickeners like arrowroot, cornstarch, or xanthan gum.
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Limit portion size to 3-4 ounces of cooked roast with veggies.
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Avoid excessive sodium by skipping packaged gravy mixes and limiting salt.
With smart tweaks, pot roast can be a nutritious family dinner full of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Healthy Pot Roast Recipe Idea
To makeover classic pot roast into a healthier version, follow these tips:
- Pick a 2 pound eye of round roast for leaner meat.
- Rub the roast with salt-free seasoning like garlic and onion powder, thyme, and pepper.
- Sear the roast over medium-high heat to caramelize the outside.
- Add chopped vegetables like carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions.
- Pour in low-sodium beef broth and simmer in a Dutch oven with the lid ajar.
- Cook slowly for 2-3 hours until the roast is very tender.
- To thicken the broth, whisk in arrowroot powder.
- Serve 3-4 ounces of roast and 1 cup of vegetables per serving.
This will provide all the rich flavor of classic pot roast in a lighter, healthier package. Remember to enjoy lean red meat like pot roast in moderation as part of your healthy diet.
Common Questions about Beef Pot Roast Nutrition
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the nutritional value of pot roast:
Is pot roast high in cholesterol?
Yes, a 3-4 ounce serving contains around 100 mg cholesterol, about 30% of the daily value. Pick lean cuts and limit intake if cholesterol is a concern.
Which roast cut is healthiest?
Eye of round, sirloin tip, and bottom round are healthier roast cuts. Chuck roast or prime rib are higher in fat and calories.
Can pot roast cause weight gain?
Eating too many calories of any food can lead to weight gain. Stick to reasonable portions along with veggies and broth for a balanced meal.
Does pot roast count as processed meat?
No, pot roast is simply oven-roasted or braised beef. Processed meats are modified with salt, smoking, or curing. Enjoy beef roast in moderation as part of a varied diet.
Is leftover pot roast good for you?
Yes, leftovers make healthy lunches or dinners later in the week. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavor continues improving as it sits!
The Verdict on Pot Roast Nutrition
Overall, beef pot roast can be part of healthy eating when enjoyed in moderation alongside plenty of plant foods. Choosing lean cuts, lowering sodium, and limiting portions makes pot roast even more diet-friendly.
This satisfying one-pot meal offers protein, nutrients, and comfort food flavor. Just be mindful of your individual calorie, sodium, saturated fat, and cholesterol limits. With balance and variety, pot roast can be a nourishing addition to your meal plan.
Healthy Crockpot Pot Roast
I want you to know that the man ate this whole pot roast by himself, and he’s a very picky eater. If he loves it, I know you will too!.
A healthy pot roast is rubbed in spices and then cooked slowly for hours, making it very soft and juicy. Its served with carrots, onions and potatoes that are cooked with the roast. A traditional, hearty family recipe with a few lightened up twists!.
- Extra Lean Eye of Round Beef Roast
- White Onion
- Carrots
- Worcestershire sauce (gluten free if needed)
- Vegetable Broth
- Onion Powder, Garlic Powder
- Dried Thyme, Parsley
- Salt & Pepper
- Arrowroot Powder or Cornstarch (for gravy)
How to make pot roast lighter
If you buy a smaller roast, like a 2-pound one, there will be less meat per serving. This recipe uses a 2 pound roast which makes four servings. That yields a half pound of meat per serving which is plenty!.
Portion is everything when it comes to losing weight. If you can’t find a smaller roast, you could cut a bigger one in half and freeze it for later, or you could make each serving bigger and watch your portions to keep the fat and calories a little lower.
I also recommend buying a lean roast. You may need to ask the meat department are your store to specifically give you a leaner one. If you can’t do that, try to find one with less fat and try to cut some off when you get it out of the package. Don’t take off all the fat from the roast; it needs some to taste juicy.
Last tip for lighting up pot roast – omit the wine! Now listen. Finding the right balance is important if you want to lose weight. Sometimes you have to look at a recipe and figure out how to make it healthier.
Cooking a higher fat meat like pot roast in high sugar wine isnt great balance. Theres already plenty of natural sugar from the vegetables and you want to keep that in check. Save the wine for another day when youre having a lower fat meal!.
