Beef N' Butternut Squash

I will be the first to tell you that I am not really one of those crockpot mama's. BUT... During the holidays when there is so much going on, it is more challenging to eat according to your goals. And since making healthy choices for me and my family is always one of my top priorities I like to be prepared.

Now, Life is about balance. And on Christmas Day I will be eating eggs Benedict (as is our family tradition), and most likely drinking champagne and orange juice for breakfast. It's one day a year! Some people may want to continue to eat according to their goals on Christmas Day. But for me, I'm all about indulging with my friends and family on Christmas Day and not worrying about anything but enjoying every moment!

Balance people!!!

But right through Thanksgiving, and up until Christmas I plan to stay on track! Since every day is some kind of family get together, or busy bustling outing of some kind, taking the guesswork out of healthy dinners matters!

So the first time I made this, I was actually trying to make a recipe that was in the 21 day fix extreme nutrition booklet. But much to my chagrin I was missing part of the ingredients. I am also not very good at following recipes. I like to think of recipes as more of a guideline! Haha thus, my version of this was born. 
Now I would imagine, you could use 2 cups of beef stock like the recipe actually calls for in the booklet but I've never actually tried that so I cannot vouch for the flavor!

My awesome husband helped me make our stew last night before we went to bed, and waking up to its sweet delicious smell is so invigorating! 

We leave it warming all day and at dinner when we get home from a busy day of shopping and friends, I will just scoop out a bowl of healthy deliciousness for my family.

Want the recipe?

EASY OVERNIGHT BEEF N'BUTTERNUT SQUASH STEW

- 4 lbs of stew beef
- 2 red peppers chopped
- 1 large butternut squash (cubed)
- 1 medium sweet onion (chopped)
- 3 large cloves garlic (2 minced, 1 crushed)
- 1 tbls fresh thyme leaves
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 beef & 1 chicken bouillon cubs ( I use organic GoBio brand)
- 1 cups water
- 1 tsp Sucanat (Organic Cane Sugar)
- 3 tsp pink Himalayan Sea Salt
- 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley
- Secret Ingredient....Shhhhh (A 1/4 tsp of cinnamon)

Place all ingredients in crockpot (I like to put the beef on the bottom). For the 2 cups of water over top of everything. Cover and turn on low for eight hours.
When done, take out bay leaves, stir and spoon into bowls to enjoy! 

I am not big on bread myself, but my family loves it. So they usually get a slice of Ezekiel bread with their bowl of
stew.

*21 Day Fix portions

1 serving would be 1 red and 1 green. That's it! Of course if you have a slice of Ezekiel bread that counts as 1 yellow.