The Remedy to Monday Nights

My biggest hurdle about going to the gym is not the "gym" part. It's the "going to" part.

When B isn't traveling for work and I haven't injured my back at the trampoline park and things aren't a hot chaotic mess (which, let's face it, isn't often these days), we try to make it to the gym at least once a week, preferably twice. We meet at the gym after work, work out for about an hour, and then go home. And then we have to walk the dog, who is invariably hyper and needy. And then we have to shower. And then we have to cook dinner, eat dinner, and clean up. By that point, the only thing stopping me from passing out in the floor is the fact that the dog would just run all over me.

Like I said, I don't dislike the gym. I just hate it eating up our entire evening.

Enter the Crock Pot.

I come home at lunch and let Luna out, I throw something in the Crock Pot, and then the minute we walk in the door from the gym, dinner is ready. Bonus points if it's cold outside and we have a hot soup ready - like this vegetable beef delight.

We really like vegetables, so we threw in a little bit of everything we had. If you're missing an ingredient or two, though, I wouldn't necessarily worry too much. You definitely need the beef and tomatoes, but I feel like other than that you can customize to your little heart's (or your pantry's) desire.

We both LOVED this. It's flavorful and hearty, and makes a TON. Seriously - make sure your Crock Pot is big enough before you start throwing things in. Ours is a 6-quart, and it was STUFFED to the gills. The leftovers would be great with grilled cheese. Or, for that matter, the original meal would be great with grilled cheese. Everything is great with grilled cheese, but that's not the point.

If you're looking for an easy, healthy, veggie-full weeknight Crock Pot meal, look no further.

I'll see YOU at the gym.

Vegetable Beef Soup

Ingredients:
2 pounds stew beef cut into chunks (if not already cut at the store)
1 can green beans, drained
1 can corn, drained
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
1 6-ounce can tomato paste
3 carrots, chopped
4 celery ribs, sliced
3 potatoes, cubed
1 onion, chopped
1/2 bag frozen okra (NOT breaded)
4 cups water
4 beef bouillion cubes
2 bay leaves
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Dump in Crock Pot. Come home from gym to delicious, ready-to-eat dinner.
Pass out at 8:45.
ZzzzZzzzzZzzz...