Is Soup Good Food?

Soup is right at the top of a favorite meal for me. It's one of the best ways to get an easy to digest meal and it's one of the best ways to add nutrient density to your diet. I like warm soups as much as cold summer soup. The recipes are endless. 

When I make soup, I often start with a French mirepoix, or simply a saute of onions, celery and carrots. Use broth or water to soften diced onions, celery and carrots to provide a wonderful base to the soup you are going to prepare. I rarely measure any of this. I will use a half or whole onion, 1-3 carrots and 1-2 stalks of celery. Cook it up at a low simmer 20 minutes or so, watching that it doesn't dry out and burn.

What ingredients?

Whatever I had planned from the grocery store trip or what is already in the fridge/pantry/freezer goes next. I will add broth, water, coconut milk or water. I add spices and herbs from the internet recipe search that I conducted. What is good with coconut milk and lentils? Maybe it's paprika and turmeric. Chicken soup with kale? Rosemary or herbs de Provence. This part is fun. You get better at choosing herbs and spices with practice and in teaching your palate to decide. Dried herbs and spices are one of the easiest ways to add vitamins and minerals. They are little powerhouses of calcium , phosphorus, chromium, selenium and magnesium. And this is only touching the surface. They provide valuable phytonutrients. They add interesting flavor. Stock up on some basic herbs and spices and use them everyday. 

Next, I might gently simmer and soften some broccoli or cauliflower. I often consider beans and lentils for their nutrient density. I add leafy greens.

A Great Way to Use What you Have in the Pantry

Have a tomato on hand? Dice it and add it. Avocado on the counter? Parsley in the fridge? Add these to your bowl at the end. Squeeze on some fresh lemon or lime. To me it becomes a game for adding nutrient density. Nutrient density benefits my body. 

Soup making should be easy, fun and healthy

A can of soup is more expensive and usually not as healthy, so making your own is best. I will occasionally reach for a can of soup, but when I do I know that I cannot control the ingredient sourcing. They are often high in salt and contain additives, Even the organic ones aren't perfect. So one of the best things you can do for yourself is to make soups from scratch. Easy to make, healthy, often inexpensive.

Digestion Factor

When working with clients with digestive issues, soup is at the top of my recommended list. Gently cooking the vegetables and other ingredients are a wonderful and effective way to take the pressure off of your digestive tract, giving you some help with digestibility of the ingredients. I often recommend soup as a daily meal, especially for the last meal of the day.