SLOW COOKER PULLED PORK (OVEN ROASTED OPTION)

Here’s the ultimate crockpot pulled pork recipe! With minimal effort, your slow cooker will transform pork into incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. This recipe is super easy, produces amazing results, and makes it simple to serve up a crowd-pleasing meal in no time. I’ve also included instructions for making oven-roasted pulled pork and a fantastic smoked pulled pork recipe. And of course, don’t forget the BBQ sauce!

THE BEST PORK FOR PULLED PORK

For the best pulled pork, go for a front shoulder cut of pork. Picture the shoulder area near a pig’s forelegs. The upper part of the shoulder is called Pork Butt or Boston Butt, while the lower section is known as Pork Shoulder or Picnic Roast. When shopping, look for any of these labels for the ideal cut. Pork Butt is often preferred due to its slightly higher fat marbling, which means more flavor. However, Picnic Pork Shoulder is also a great choice.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

  • Large Skillet: I recommend using a cast iron skillet!
  • Slow Cooker: I use and recommend this slow cooker!

INGREDIENTS

  • Pork: 5-7 pounds of pork butt or pork shoulder, fat cap left on
  • Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons for rubbing on the meat
  • Liquid Smoke: 1 teaspoon, optional, for rubbing on the meat
  • Vegetable Oil: 2 tablespoons for searing (more as needed)

For the Rub/Marinade

  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt (or 2.5 teaspoons if using table salt)
  • 2 teaspoons black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
  • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar

To Serve

  • Barbecue sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • Brioche hamburger buns (if making sandwiches)
  • Softened butter
  • Coleslaw (I love this herby recipe!)

INSTRUCTIONS

Slow Cooker Instructions

  • Choose Your Pork: A pork shoulder is great, but a pork butt (also known as Boston Butt) is even better. Both cuts contain plenty of fat and connective tissue, essential for tender, juicy pulled pork. If available, choose a bone-in cut for extra flavor, though boneless works as well. Look for a well-marbled piece with white fat.
  • Marinate with Spice Rub: In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons black pepper, 1 tablespoon paprika, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 2 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 2 teaspoons cumin, 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder, and 1/3 cup packed brown sugar. Reserve 3 tablespoons of this mixture in a ziplock bag or covered bowl for later use.
  • Prepare the Pork: For faster cooking, cut the pork in half to increase the surface area for browning and reduce the cooking time to about 6-7 hours in the slow cooker (cooking the whole piece will take about 8-10 hours). Pat the pork dry with paper towels, then rub 3 tablespoons of olive oil over the meat, ensuring it’s well coated. If using, drizzle 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke and massage it in.
  • Rub the Spice Mixture: Rub the spice mixture (excluding the reserved 3 tablespoons) all over the pork, getting into every nook and cranny. Place the pork in a large ziplock bag and seal. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours, or up to 48 hours.
  • Sear the Pork: Remove the pork from the bag and pat it dry if wet. Rub the remaining spice mixture into the meat. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat for at least 3 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and swirl to coat the pan. Once the oil shimmers, add the pork and sear for about 2 minutes until well browned. Use tongs to flip the pork and sear all sides. Add more oil as necessary.
  • Slow Cook the Pork: Transfer the seared pork to your dry slow cooker. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours if cut in half or 8-10 hours if left whole. Avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temperature of 195-200°F. Start checking with a meat thermometer at the lowest recommended time, as overcooking can dry it out.
  • Shred the Pork: Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes, tented with foil. Shred the pork using two forks; it should fall apart easily. Discard any gristle, but retain some fat to mix in with the meat for flavor.
  • Combine and Serve: Add the shredded pork back into the slow cooker (or your serving dish) and toss it with the cooking juices. Mix in 1-2 cups of BBQ sauce or serve it on the side. Enjoy it warm on sandwiches, atop salads, or however you prefer!

Oven Pulled Pork Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F and let it heat for at least 20 minutes.
  • Prepare the Pork: Cut the pork butt or shoulder into 3 equal pieces to speed up cooking and enhance browning. Follow the same preparation steps as above: pat dry, rub with 3 tablespoons olive oil and 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional), and then rub with the reserved spice mixture. Marinate for 6 to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Rest and Prepare for Cooking: Allow the pork to sit at room temperature for about an hour before cooking for more even results.
  • Set Up for Roasting: Place an oven-safe wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet and spray it with nonstick spray. Add 1.5 cups of water to the bottom of the pan to create a humid environment.
  • Roast the Pork: Remove the pork from the marinade and rub each piece with the remaining spice rub. Arrange the pork on the rack, ensuring they don’t touch. Roast at 425°F for 30 minutes to sear the edges, then reduce the temperature to 300°F. Open the oven door briefly to cool it down. Roast for an additional 3-5 hours, adding water as necessary to the pan.
  • Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; the pork should reach 195-200°F. Do not exceed 200°F, as the temperature will continue to rise after removing it from the oven.
  • Shred and Serve: Let the pork rest for 15-20 minutes, tented with foil. Shred it using two forks, retaining some fat for flavor.
  • Make the Sandwich: For an incredible pulled pork sandwich, butter both sides of a brioche bun. In a pan over medium heat, toast the buns for 2-4 minutes until golden. Fill with shredded pork, add more BBQ sauce if desired, and top with a generous amount of herby coleslaw. Press down with the top bun and enjoy!

How to Shred Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

  • Rest the Meat: Once the cooking time is up, carefully transfer the pork to a cutting board and let it rest for about 10-20 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and flavorful.
  • Shred the Pork: After resting, it’s time to shred the pork. Using two large forks, begin pulling the meat apart. If you’ve cooked it properly, it should fall apart effortlessly with just a gentle tug. Enjoy the satisfying process of shredding!

STORAGE

  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
  • Pulled pork freezes well; seal in a ziplock bag (with or without BBQ sauce) and freeze for 4-6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or in a covered tin foil pan sprinkled with water, baking at 300°F for 20-40 minutes, depending on the amount.

THE 8 BEST CBD GUMMIES FOR WEIGHT LOSS

In an effort to achieve a healthy weight, many individuals are turning to CBD, also known as cannabidiol, as a potential aid. CBD has gained significant popularity due to its potential therapeutic properties, including its ability to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and support overall health. Now, combining the benefits of CBD with the convenience and deliciousness of gummies, a new trend has emerged: CBD gummies for weight loss. In this article, we will discuss the 8 best CBD gummies for weight loss for you. Keep scrolling down.

WHAT IS CBD?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. It’s one of many compounds in the plant called cannabinoids. CBD has become popular because it may have health benefits and could help with certain conditions.

Unlike THC, another well-known compound in cannabis, CBD doesn’t make you feel high or intoxicated. This is why people are interested in CBD for its potential therapeutic effects without the mind-altering sensations.

CBD interacts with a system in our bodies called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate things like mood, sleep, appetite, and immune response. By interacting with this system, CBD could have many different health benefits.

Research suggests that CBD may have properties that reduce inflammation, relieve pain, reduce anxiety, and protect the brain. It has been studied for conditions like chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety disorders, and insomnia.

CBD comes in different forms such as oils, capsules, gummies, creams, and even beverages. The right dosage and how you take it can vary depending on what you need it for and how you want it to work.

It’s important to note that while CBD shows promise, more research is needed to fully understand how it works and how effective it is for different conditions. If you’re thinking of using CBD, it’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional, especially if you have other medical conditions or take other medications.

Overall, CBD is a natural compound from the cannabis plant that has gained attention for its potential health benefits. Its effects are not mind-altering, and it may offer relief for various conditions.

8 BEST CBD GUMMIES FOR WEIGHT LOSS

NEUROGAN CBD GUMMY SQUARES

Affordable CBD gummies are small, but they’re powerful. Each gummy is carefully made to give you high-quality CBD, whether you pick the full-spectrum or broad-spectrum type.

This means that just one gummy can give you a good amount of CBD without adding too much sugar to your body.

These gummies come in three different strengths, so you can choose the one that works best for you: 40mg, 90mg, or a huge 120mg per gummy. This lets you use the amount of CBD that suits you, whether you’re new to it or already a CBD fan.

It’s important to have clean and pure products, and that’s why these CBD gummies are made with a vegan formula. This means that everyone can enjoy them, no matter what their dietary preferences are. Plus, they use natural sweeteners and flavors, so you know you’re getting something that’s close to nature.

The best part is that each Neurogan CBD gummy is proudly made in the USA. This ensures that every batch is consistently high quality and pure

STARPOWA CBD 5MG APPLE FLAVOURED 60 GUMMIES

If you’re new to CBD products, these Starpowa CBD Gummies are a good choice. They have a delicious apple flavor and a lower amount of CBD, making them a great starting point.

Starpowa is known for their gummy vitamins, and these CBD gummies are just as impressive. Each serving, which is two gummies per day, contains 5mg of high-quality CBD extracted from hemp oil. They don’t have THC, and they’ve been tested by a third party to make sure they’re safe. Plus, they don’t have any added sugar and they’re suitable for vegans.

ROYAL CBD GUMMIES

The Royal CBD gummies are made with a full spectrum extract, which means they have more than just CBD. They contain other cannabinoids that are good for you too.

Each gummy has 25mg of CBD, which is a good amount for both beginners and experienced users.

These gummies have natural fruity flavors that give them a pleasant tanginess without being too sweet. They focus on using natural ingredients and flavors, so you can enjoy the benefits of CBD without too much added sugar like some other popular CBD gummies.

A bottle of 30 gummies costs $67, so they are a bit more expensive. But, as smart shoppers know, good quality often comes at a higher price.

FOURFIVE CBD GO GUMMIES 10MG 30 GUMMIES

If you want CBD gummies that taste great, you’ve found them! Each fruity gummy has 10mg of CBD, so you can get your daily dose in one delicious bite.

Fourfive is a company started by professional rugby players from England, George Kruis and Dom Day. They know a lot about recovering from sports injuries! They discovered that CBD helped them sleep better and recover faster from injuries.

These gummies have been tested by a third-party lab to make sure they’re safe. They don’t make you feel high, and they’re suitable for vegans.

JOY ORGANICS FULL SPECTRUM CBD GUMMIES

When it comes to losing weight, it’s important to think differently. Many people want to handle stress during the day without losing focus, and that’s where Joy Organics CBD gummies can help. Stress often leads to eating impulsively or snacking when we’re stressed.

By reducing stress while keeping you alert, these gummies might help you avoid those unplanned indulgences.

When combined with mindful eating and regular exercise, these organic CBD gummies could make a big difference in weight loss. They can help you feel more balanced mentally, which can lead to healthier eating habits.

Joy Organics offers gummies that have full-spectrum CBD. This means they contain a range of cannabinoids that work together. Each gummy has a strong 25mg of CBD, so they really do help to calm you down.

CANNARAY CBD 10MG REGULAR STRENGTH 30 GUMMIES

These vegan CBD chews have a delicious orange flavor and a low strength, making them a great supplement. It’s like enjoying your favorite sweets, but with added benefits!

They’ve even included coconut oil, which has fatty acids that can help the CBD work better in your body.

These delightful CBD gummies are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. They don’t have THC, sulphates, or GMOs.

CHARLOTTE’S WEB CBD MUSCLE RECOVERY GUMMIES

Charlotte’s Web has created a special blend of ingredients to help your muscles recover after a workout. They’ve combined ginger and turmeric, which are known for reducing inflammation, with CBD. This trio of botanicals works together to potentially reduce muscle inflammation and aid in recovery.

Even though these gummies only have 10mg of CBD each, it’s important to remember that the combination of ingredients can be powerful. In this blend, CBD, ginger, and turmeric work together to provide a balanced approach to muscle recovery.

For those who take their workouts seriously, recovery is just as important as the exercise itself. These gummies can be a reliable companion on your recovery journey. Whether you’re into endurance sports, strength training, or simply enjoy a daily jog, incorporating CBD gummies can make your post-workout recovery easier.

GOLDBEE ENERGY CBG + CBD GUMMIES

While many people know about CBD and its potential benefits, CBG is not as well-known. CBG, or cannabigerol, is often called the “mother of all cannabinoids.” It’s a substance that comes before other cannabinoids like CBD, THC, and CBC.

Goldbee’s gummies have a strong combination of 50mg of CBG and 25mg of CBD. This powerful mix combines the strengths of both cannabinoids.

They’ve also added caffeine to give you an energy boost when you need it. But caffeine can sometimes make you feel jittery. That’s where L-theanine comes in. It’s a calming amino acid found in tea that helps to balance out the energy kick from caffeine. This way, you can feel more energized without the jitters.

Goldbee is committed to using natural and simple ingredients. They use organic sugar, grape juice, pectin, and citric acid, which are familiar and good for health-conscious people.

HOW CAN CBD HELP WITH WEIGHT LOSS?

There is limited research on how CBD affects weight loss in humans. Most studies have been done on animals or in labs. However, scientists believe that CBD might help with weight loss because of its effects on the body’s endocannabinoid system.

A review published in 2022 looked at the results of 11 clinical trials that studied the effects of CBD on appetite and body weight. Most of these studies found that using CBD reduced participants’ appetite. However, the researchers noted that there might be some biases in how the studies were conducted, such as how the participants were chosen and how the results were reported. More research with human participants is needed to fully understand how CBD affects appetite.

CBD might indirectly help with weight loss by reducing chronic pain, which can contribute to obesity. It might also improve sleep, which can support weight loss. However, some studies show improvements in sleep with CBD, while others have mixed results.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CBD GUMMIES FOR WEIGHT LOSS

LAB-TESTED CBD

When you want to buy CBD products, it’s really important to check if they have been tested in a lab. Look for a certificate of analysis (CoA) when you’re thinking about buying something. This will give you more information and make you feel more confident. If you’re thinking about buying from a brand that doesn’t test its products thoroughly, it might not be the right choice for you.

INGREDIENTS

When you’re thinking of using CBD products, it’s crucial to check the list of ingredients. This is especially important if you want to lose weight. Choose options that have low amounts of sugars and fats, as these can be found in many gummies. If you’re buying edibles for weight loss, it’s best to go for products that have natural ingredients. This way, you won’t have to worry about any negative effects they might have.

REPUTABLE BRANDS

It’s really important to choose trustworthy brands when you’re shopping for CBD products. There are many companies out there, but they’re not all equal. Some brands might use ingredients that aren’t good for you, so it’s a good idea to find out more about a brand before buying their products. Most brands share information about how they test their products, their ethics, and their procedures on their website. Checking out this information can help you decide which products are the best fit for you.

BENEFITS

Some CBD products claim to have specific benefits like helping with weight loss or reducing anxiety. However, it’s important to be careful with companies that say their CBD product can cure any health problem because the FDA hasn’t approved them for that. But that doesn’t mean other ingredients in the product, like low sugar and healthy options, can’t be beneficial for weight loss. Checking the ingredients can help you understand how your body might respond to the product and if it’s the right choice for you.

DOSAGE

When you’re searching for an edible CBD product, one thing to pay attention to is the dosage it contains. Some gummies have 10mg of CBD, while capsules can have more or less, and tinctures can vary a lot. If you’re new to using CBD, it’s a good idea to start with a product that has a lower dosage. That way, you can always take more if needed. It can be challenging to measure out the right amount if the dosage is too high, so starting low is a safer option.

CONCLUSION

For effective weight loss support through products like protein shakes or CBD gummies, consulting an expert and maintaining consistent usage are crucial for achieving results. It’s essential to understand that CBD alone doesn’t ensure weight loss success; it should complement a healthy lifestyle comprising a balanced diet and regular exercise. Prior to integrating CBD gummies or any dietary supplement into your weight loss regimen, seeking advice from a healthcare professional is recommended.