When you think of a chilly January day, what better way to warm up than with a nice big bowl of soup. That's exactly why someone thought January was the perfect candidate to become National Soup Month.
Whether it's your great grandmother's secret ingredient recipe for chicken noodle or you pop open a can of tomato to pair with a gooey grilled cheese, there is something so comforting about a nice big bowl of steaming soup, especially in the cold winter months. Visions of split pea, french onion and Pho are dancing in my head right now.
Not only does soup have that comfort food quality, it can also be a great tool to get healthy in the new year. With the right ingredients, soup can pack a powerful nutritional punch with vitamins and minerals from vegetables, beans, and lean meats, and it's a great way to use up some of those leftovers.
Starting off with soup for an appetizer is a terrific way to fill up on healthy ingredients so you don't hit the bread basket too hard, but don't just think of it as a starter. An easy soup recipe can make for a great meal for a table for one or the entire family. Just add some nice crusty bread and a salad and you're ready for dinner.
All soups are not created equal, however, when it comes to health benefits. Cream based soups will inevitably be higher in fat and calories and you do always want to keep an eye on sodium, especially with some canned varieties that can add more than your daily recommended intake in one serving. If you're opting for canned, always check the labels. The good news is that most soup companies now offer several varieties that are not only lower in sodium but are more heart healthy and even organic if that's your preference.
Looking to stir up some soup at home but need a little inspiration? Click below for some simple recipes from a brand that is synonymous with soup. Have a favorite recipe of your own? We'd love to know about it! Feel free to share in the comments below.
Happy souping!
