Lose weight with soup and prevent and treat illness
Is there any food more appealing during the long days of winter than a hot bowl of soup? Eating soup is not only a delicious way to warm up, but it can be a healthy food choice, too.
Best soup to boost your immune system
A strong immune system can help you survive cold and flu season without having to take a sick day. And filling your diet with healthy foods is one of the best ways to get your immune system in tip-top shape.
"Soups with some lean protein, lots of vegetables, and a good whole grain starch like barley, whole wheat pasta or legumes," are ideal, says Cook. "[This kind of soup] would provide protein, vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals, which are required for a healthy immune system."
May we suggest: Italian Vegetable Soup
Best soup when you're under the weather
While many people claim that chicken soup is a surefire way to get rid of a cold, any soup that's full of healthy ingredients is going to have the same effect. The important thing is to eat so you can give your body the nourishment it needs to recuperate.
A light, warm soup is just the thing to have when a cold weakens your appetite. Look for the same hallmarks in the immunity-booster soup mentioned above -- lean protein, vegetables and whole grains -- rather than relying on lackluster convenience food next time you're not feeling so hot. "You can't run a healthy immune system or launch a strong immune response on doughnuts and soft drinks or other nutrient-depleted foods," says Cook.
May we suggest: Autumn Vegetable Minestrone
Best soup for weight loss
When your new year's resolution is to fit into your favourite dress again and you're looking for food that's low in calories but still tastes fantastic, soup is a great option. Cook recommends looking for broth-based, rather than cream-based, soups to keep your weight loss plans on track. He also suggests soups with some protein and lots of fibre, such as vegetables and legumes.
"Fibre helps to fill you up and protein increases satiety more than carbohydrates and fat." It also takes a little extra time to eat a bowl of soup, which gives your brain a chance to realize that you're stomach is starting to fill up.
Cook offers an added benefit as well: "Warmth appears to increase satiety better than cold food." So skip the salad and ask the waiter to bring you some soup instead.
May we suggest: Lunchtime Lentil Soup
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While many people claim that chicken soup is a surefire way to get rid of a cold, any soup that's full of healthy ingredients is going to have the same effect. The important thing is to eat so you can give your body the nourishment it needs to recuperate.
A light, warm soup is just the thing to have when a cold weakens your appetite. Look for the same hallmarks in the immunity-booster soup mentioned above -- lean protein, vegetables and whole grains -- rather than relying on lackluster convenience food next time you're not feeling so hot. "You can't run a healthy immune system or launch a strong immune response on doughnuts and soft drinks or other nutrient-depleted foods," says Cook.
May we suggest: Autumn Vegetable Minestrone
Best soup for weight loss
When your new year's resolution is to fit into your favourite dress again and you're looking for food that's low in calories but still tastes fantastic, soup is a great option. Cook recommends looking for broth-based, rather than cream-based, soups to keep your weight loss plans on track. He also suggests soups with some protein and lots of fibre, such as vegetables and legumes.
"Fibre helps to fill you up and protein increases satiety more than carbohydrates and fat." It also takes a little extra time to eat a bowl of soup, which gives your brain a chance to realize that you're stomach is starting to fill up.
Cook offers an added benefit as well: "Warmth appears to increase satiety better than cold food." So skip the salad and ask the waiter to bring you some soup instead.
May we suggest: Lunchtime Lentil Soup
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