On a recent cold winter's night, I returned home after a stressful day and was ever-so-happy to discover in my refrigerator some turkey chili that a friend had made for me. It warmed me up, soothed my frayed nerves and refueled my lagging energy.
There are many good reasons to eat soup, both physical and emotional. Here are the top five reasons from Boulder Organic! and a couple of recipes to inspire you.
1. Soup helps keep your New Year's resolutions on track.
Broth-based soups packed with vegetables are the perfect way to fill up without adding unnecessary calories. A soup like Golden Quinoa and Kale has a healthy combination of fiber from quinoa coupled with kale, a nutrient-dense superfood.
2.Soup is quick and easy and perfect for leftovers.
Making a big batch of soup on the weekend is an easy way to ensure that there is always a hot, healthy option for lunch or dinner throughout a busy workweek. Need a quick snack? Pour some leftover soup in a coffee mug and heat it in the microwave for a fast, convenient snack.
3.This year's flu season is intense, but soup can help.
Vegetables have tremendous anti-inflammatory properties, and a steaming bowl of vegetable soup can reduce mucus and help you cough up mucus. If making a homemade batch of vegetable soup doesn't fit into your busy schedule, try a fresh (not canned) soup, like Boulder Organic!'s Garden Minestrone.
4. Soup is affordable.
Making a warm, healthy soup doesn't require a big investment. All you need are some fresh vegetables and broth. You can buy broth or make your own from a leftover carcass or bones. And you can throw leftovers into the soup if you have some on hand—anything from pasta and vegetables to roasted chicken.
5.Most important, soup tastes great!
Remember the emotional factor? No one wants to eat something that doesn't taste good. It's not difficult to make soups that are delicious, healthy and comforting. Try this French Lentil with Potato Soup, created by Kate Brown, the founder of Boulder Organic!
