Maintaining a healthy diet can be a real challenge, especially when you’re trying to lose weight. It can be tough to find the time and energy to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks, and many of us end up turning to convenience foods that are high in calories, fat, and sugar. However, there is a solution to this problem: making homemade vegetable soup.
Vegetable soup is one of the easiest and healthiest meals you can make. It’s packed with nutrients, fiber, and filling ingredients that keep you full for hours. Plus, you can make a huge batch and freeze it for later or take it with you wherever you go, making it the perfect meal for those who are always on the move.
If you’re looking to add vegetable soup to your weight loss plan, here’s a quick and easy recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 large onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery stalks, chopped
2 medium carrots, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 yellow squash, chopped
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
4 cups vegetable broth
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
2 bay leaves
Directions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the onion is translucent.
3. Add the celery, carrots, and bell pepper and cook for another 5 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly soft.
4. Add the zucchini and yellow squash and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves and bring to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
7. Remove the bay leaves and serve hot.
This recipe makes about 8 servings, so you can enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later. Each serving contains about 100-150 calories, depending on the size of your serving. You can also add any additional vegetables or grains to the soup to boost its nutritional value and keep you full for longer.
In conclusion, incorporating vegetable soup into your weight loss plan can be a game-changer. It’s an easy and healthy way to get your daily dose of vegetables and is incredibly satisfying and filling. Try out this recipe or experiment with your own ingredients and get ready to see the pounds melt away.