Weight Loss Vegetable Soup
I love how healthy I feel with this filling, satisfying soup that's easy and ready in 30 minutes. It's loaded with healthy, hearty vegetables and is naturally low in calories and sodium while being high in fiber and nutrients. It's naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you follow Weight Watchers it's a Zero Point soup. If you want to bump up the protein, adding edamame or a can of beans such as garbanzo, cannellini, or kidney is great. It's a great soup to clean out your produce drawer with. Mix and match with the veggies and herbs you have on hand and enjoy. If you don't have an ingredient, don't like something, or want to use something else instead, go for it.
I love how healthy I feel with this filling, satisfying soup that's easy and ready in 30 minutes. It's loaded with healthy, hearty vegetables and is naturally low in calories and sodium while being high in fiber and nutrients. It's naturally vegan and gluten-free. If you follow Weight Watchers it's a Zero Point soup. If you want to bump up the protein, adding edamame or a can of beans such as garbanzo, cannellini, or kidney is great. It's a great soup to clean out your produce drawer with. Mix and match with the veggies and herbs you have on hand and enjoy. If you don't have an ingredient, don't like something, or want to use something else instead, go for it.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons salt or to taste
- 3 leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small
- pinch cayenne pepper optional and to taste
- 2 cups sweet vidalia or yellow onion peeled and diced smallâ (about 1 large onion)
- (about 2 stalks)
- 64 ounces (8 cups) low-sodium vegetableâ broth
- 4 garlic cloves peeled and finely minced
- 4 cups greenâ cabbage sliced into thin ribbons (about 1/4 to 1/2 head depending on siz
- 1 cup carrots peeled, trimmed, and sliced thin (about 1 1/2 large carrots)
- 1 cup green beans, trimmed into 1-inch pieces (i prefer
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (baby portobello white, or your favorite)
- one 15-ounce can petite-diced tomatoes (i use low
- 1 1/2 cups edamame or oneâ 15-ounce cans garbanzo, cannellini
- 1 teaspoonâ cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 2 cups zucchini diced small (about 1 1/2 large zucchini)
- 1 tablespoons lemon juice optional (brightens up the flavor)
- Carbohydrate 4.6771238266547 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 0.906915949773484 g
- Fiber 1.64056251398115 g
- Protein 1.5895793737311 g
- Saturated Fat 0.125527575121307 g
- Serving Size 1 1 cup (191g)
- Sodium 22.1687479798021 mg
- Sugar 3.03656131267355 g
- Trans Fat 0.162404995965632 g
- Calories 29 calories
Step-by-step
- To a large Dutch oven or stockpot, add the oil, onion, celery, and sauté over medium-high heat for about 7 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Stir intermittently.
- Add the garlic and sauté for another 1 to 2 minutes. Stir intermittently.
- Add the cabbage, peppers, carrots, green beans, mushrooms, and sauté for another 5 minutes, or until vegetables begin to soften. Stir intermittently.
- Add the vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, optional beans or edamame, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, thyme, rosemary, optional cayenne, salt, pepper, and bring to a boil.
- Allow mixture to boil gently for about 5 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, zucchini, optional lemon juice, and boil 3 to 5 minutes, or until broccoli and zucchini are crisp-tender. Remove bay leaves.
- Taste soup and add additional salt, pepper, or herbs, to taste. Amount of salt will vary based on how salty the brand of vegetable broth used is, how salty the canned tomatoes and optional beans are, and personal preference.
- At any time while making the soup, if the overall liquid level is lower than you like and you prefer more broth, adding a cup or two of water is okay, noting you can always adjust the salt and seasoning levels.
- Serve immediately. Soup will keep airtight in the fridge for 5 to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
My Go-To Weight Loss Vegetable Soup: A Busy Woman's Recipe for Health and Happiness
As a working mom, finding time for healthy meals is always a challenge. Between work deadlines, school pick-ups, and the never-ending to-do list, whipping up something nutritious and delicious often feels impossible. But this isn't about restrictive diets or complicated recipes. This is about simple, satisfying food that fits into even the busiest of lives, and this Weight Loss Vegetable Soup is my absolute go-to. It's not just about shedding a few pounds; it's about nourishing my body and feeling my best, both inside and out.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. I often find myself raiding my fridge, throwing in whatever vegetables I have on hand – leftover broccoli, a lonely zucchini, a handful of wilting carrots. The possibilities are endless! This soup embraces imperfection, making it a perfect fit for my busy life. There's something truly liberating about a recipe that doesn't demand strict adherence but encourages creativity. I love experimenting with different herbs and spices, sometimes adding a kick of cayenne pepper for an extra zing or a squeeze of lemon juice for a brighter flavor. One day it might be packed with hearty mushrooms and green beans; the next, it's a vibrant blend of vibrant peppers and zucchini.
It’s more than just a soup; it’s a ritual. The process of chopping vegetables, the comforting aroma that fills my kitchen as it simmers on the stove – these simple acts bring a sense of calm amidst the chaos. It’s a moment of self-care, a way to reconnect with myself amidst the demands of my day. And the best part? It’s a delicious, healthy meal that my entire family enjoys. My kids, usually picky eaters, gobble it up. It's so versatile that I can easily adjust it to suit everyone’s palate.
But beyond the practicality and deliciousness, this soup represents something more profound for me. It symbolizes my commitment to wellness, a reminder that taking care of myself isn't selfish; it's essential. It’s about fueling my body with nutritious food, providing the energy I need to juggle my responsibilities and still have time for the things I love – spending time with my family, pursuing my hobbies, and simply enjoying life.
This soup isn't just a recipe; it's a reflection of my values. It's a testament to the idea that healthy eating doesn't have to be complicated or time-consuming. It's a reminder that even in the midst of a busy life, we can prioritize our well-being and nourish ourselves with delicious, wholesome food. It’s about finding joy in simple things, finding peace in the process of cooking, and sharing the bounty with those I love. So, go ahead, give this recipe a try. Let it be your own personal sanctuary in the heart of your busy day.
Beyond the Bowl: The Unexpected Benefits of This Weight Loss Soup
The benefits extend beyond weight management. The high fiber content helps with digestion, keeping things running smoothly. The abundance of vitamins and minerals boosts my immunity, making me less susceptible to those pesky colds and flus that tend to strike when I'm run down. And the simple act of making and enjoying this soup has a calming effect, reducing stress and promoting a sense of well-being. It’s a small act of self-care that yields significant rewards.
Making it Your Own: Tips and Variations for Success
Feel free to experiment with different vegetables to suit your tastes and what you have available. Add some leafy greens at the end for extra nutrients. Don't be afraid to play with the spices – a dash of ginger or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a delightful twist. You can even add cooked quinoa or brown rice for a heartier soup. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility; it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.
More Than Just a Meal: A Ritual of Self-Care
In our fast-paced lives, it's easy to lose sight of ourselves amidst the chaos. This soup, however, offers a moment of pause, a quiet ritual that connects me to my well-being. The act of preparing it, the mindful consumption, the satisfaction of nourishing my body with healthy food – these are all small acts of self-care that contribute to a greater sense of balance and serenity in my life.
So, go ahead, embrace the simplicity of this Weight Loss Vegetable Soup. Let it be your secret weapon for a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. It's more than just a meal; it's a journey to better well-being.
