Winter Soup Success
Soup is an excellent meal choice for lunch or dinner, offering a variety of nutritional benefits. It is easy to make and can help cut calories while increasing nutrients and fiber.
Here are several reasons why soups are considered healthy meal options:
Nutrient-Rich Ingredients:
Soups often include a diverse array of themes based on many healthy ingredients including vegetables, proteins (such as lean meats or legumes), and grains.
Often you will consume a lot more vegetables in a soup versus just eating them as side dishes or salads. Chopping, cooking, pureeing, and mixing with other ingredients makes them more palatable.
Hydration:
Soups typically have a high water content, which helps keep you hydrated.
Staying well-hydrated is crucial for overall health and supports various bodily functions.
Weight Management:
Because soups are liquid-based, they can be filling while being relatively low in calories, which can aid in weight management.
The water content helps create a feeling of fullness, potentially reducing the overall calorie intake.
Digestive Health:
The fiber from vegetables, legumes, and whole grains in soups promotes digestive health.
Fiber adds bulk to the diet, aids in bowel regularity, and supports a healthy gut microbiome.
Bone Broth Benefits:
Soups made with bone broth can be rich in collagen, gelatin, and minerals that are beneficial for joint health, skin, and gut health.
Bone broth is also a source of easily digestible nutrients.
Be sure to choose broth that is low in sodium. There are many great choices in the broth section of the grocery store.
Easy to Prepare:
Soups are often simple to prepare, and you can make large batches to have meals for several days.
This can save time and make it easier to maintain a healthy eating routine.
It is a good idea to freeze leftovers so you have meals for busy days.
When making or choosing soups, it's essential to be mindful of ingredients like sodium levels in store-bought options. Homemade soups allow for greater control over the ingredients, making it easier to create a nutrient-dense and well-balanced meal.
