Healthy Crockpot Turkey Chili is a low calorie chili recipe made lower in fat with tons of flavor. Easy to make thanks to the slow cooker ! Low Calorie + Gluten Free
I grew up eating a lot of chili and its always been my go-to recipe during the fall and winter. You can never go wrong with a bowl of thick, hearty chili. Its a meal in a bowl thats packed with healthy ingredients and its incredibly easy to make.
Turkey chili can absolutely be an effective and delicious tool for weight loss. With the right ingredients and preparation methods turkey chili provides a flavorful, low-calorie meal that can help you reach your diet goals.
Why Turkey Chili Supports Weight Loss
There are a few key reasons why turkey chili is an optimal choice if you’re looking to shed pounds:
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High Protein – The lean ground turkey provides a big protein punch which helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. Protein takes longer to digest sustaining energy and curbing overeating.
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Low Calorie – Using ground turkey instead of higher fat meats like beef significantly cuts down on calories. Load up on low cal veggies for volume.
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High Fiber – Beans, tomatoes, peppers and other veggies boost the fiber content, which promotes satiety and balanced blood sugar.
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Nutrient Dense – You get a wide range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants from the variety of ingredients
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Versatile – It can be a meal prep staple for lunch or dinner. Freezes well for quick future meals.
Tips for Weight Loss Friendly Turkey Chili
Follow these tips to make sure your turkey chili recipe aids your diet:
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Use extra lean ground turkey breast to minimize saturated fat.
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Load up on non-starchy veggies like spinach, zucchini and mushrooms.
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Choose low sodium broth and tomatoes to limit bloating.
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Add in filling grains like quinoa or brown rice.
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Garnish with fresh herbs, lemon juice and avocado for extra nutrients.
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Use minimal oils when cooking – stick to broth or nonstick pans.
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Swap in additional beans or lentils for extra protein and fiber.
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Skip fatty cheeses, sour cream or chips as toppings.
Meal Planning For Weight Loss With Turkey Chili
To get maximum results, be strategic with how you incorporate turkey chili into your weekly meal plan:
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Make a big batch on Sunday to meal prep for the week ahead.
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Pair with green salads or roasted veggies for a nutrient boost.
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Cook once, eat twice by reinventing leftovers into turkey taco salad or stuffed peppers.
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Freeze individual portions for quick, healthy meals in a pinch.
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Follow my plan of OMAD (one meal a day) using turkey chili for your one meal.
With the right preparation, ingredients and meal planning, turkey chili can absolutely help you meet your diet and weight loss goals in a delicious way. It provides a nutritious, protein-packed, veggie-filled meal that will keep you feeling satisfied while cutting calories.
Can You Make Turkey Chili in an Instant Pot
Yes you can make turkey chili in an Instant Pot! Start by adding all ingredients to your Instant Pot except the beans and set the pot to pressure cook 30 minutes. Cover and set the valve to sealing. Note it will take time for the pot to pressurize.
Next manually release the valve and carefully remove the lid. Stir in the beans and let them sit 5 minutes to warm. Serve your chili!
Tips for Making the BEST Turkey Chili
Heres a few pointers for making the BEST healthy turkey chili recipe in a slow cooker.
- Spices – Spices are key to making the BEST tasting chili particularly the smoked paprika. Smoked paprika is much more flavorful than plain paprika. Also, check the date of your spices. If theyre more than 2 years old, its time to toss and replace them. Old spices will always be less flavorful.
- Vegetables – Chilis and soups are the best places to add vegetables because you can easily add them without affecting the flavor. In fact, vegetables add a TON of flavor without adding calories and you can sneak them by picky eaters. Zucchini and onions are in this recipe, but bell peppers or cauliflower rice could easily be added to this recipe!
- Slow Cooker – You can make turkey chili on the stovetop or in a slow cooker, but in my experience slow cooking chili is the best tasting chili ever!
- Toppings – Greek yogurt , sliced jalapeños and avocado with diced red onions are great toppings to add to your chili recipe. I love using Greek yogurt for extra protein, but sour cream could be used instead.
The EASY 5 ingredient turkey chili I’m eating for FAST WEIGHT LOSS
FAQ
Is eating chili good for weight loss?
How many calories are in a turkey chili?
Can I eat turkey while trying to lose weight?
Can you eat chili on a low-fat diet?
How long does Turkey chili stay good in the fridge?
In the refrigerator: this healthy turkey chili will stay good in your fridge for about 1 week. Once your chili is completely cooled, just place it in an airtight container (or multiple, if you’d like to meal prep it) without the additional toppings and place it in the fridge.
Is chili powder good for your stomach?
Chili powder is made from red chilies that contain a compound called capsaicin, which accounts for the pungency of chili peppers. Capsaicin can cause intense short-term symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting in those who consume very large amounts, like amounts consumed in pepper eating contests. Based on available evidence it is possible that chronic consumption of large amounts of chili powders may contribute to stomach ulcers in people who are already predisposed to them due to other factors such as stomach inflammation, chronic alcohol consumption, or regular consumption of anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin. There is not enough human evidence to conclude capsaicin inhibits the bacterial strain Helicobacter pylori, a common cause gastrointestinal symptoms including stomach inflammation and ulcers.
How long do you cook a Turkey chili in a slow cooker?
A great hands-free way to cook it and keep it warm. A few tips: Reduce the chicken broth to 1/2 cup. Brown the turkey and onions before adding them to the slow cooker. Add the rest of your ingredients and cook the chili on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-7 hours.
Is there a low calorie vegetable chili?
If you are watching your calorie and fat intake, this low-calorie vegetable chili recipe from The Spruce Eats is also almost fat-free. It has red bell pepper, green bell pepper, corn, carrot, and kidney beans, with a bit of soy sauce for extra umami flavor. Get the recipe from The Spruce Eats.