7 Ways to Avoid Soup Mistakes in the Winter Chill

Soup. It is one of the most versatile dishes to have in your day.

It works well to provide sustenance on a busy day any time of year. In the cold winter, a steamy flavorful soup can take off the chill.

Soups can help as well as hinder your weight management. Good, healthy soups can help you manage your dinner portions, as well as providing many necessary nutrients.

Unfortunately, soups, like your favorite coffee concoction, can be a hidden source of additional, unintended daily caloric intake.

Soup types include broth, potage, consommé, bouillon, chowder, bisque, and chili.

There are two ways to you will get your soups:

• Purchased Soups Purchased soups include canned soups, powdered soups, and pre-made soups from the deli section of your grocery store. They can also include soups from local sandwich shops and restaurants.
• Homemade Soups.
  Even though soups can be made at home, ingredient selection can be just as challenging to your weight management.

Whether you buy your soup, or you make it at home, there are certain steps you can take to enjoy your soups with your weight loss.

1. Avoid, if possible, cream-based soups; or choose low-fat dairy options and ingredients. Cream-based soups include chowders, bisques, and cheeses.
2. Watch the sodium content. Add more water if necessary. These soups can include broths, bouillons, and consommés, particularly if purchased. 
3. Select lean, low-fat meats and proteins to reduce the fats.
4. Watch the sugar content. Sugar is often used as a  preservative as well as a flavor enhancer. 
5. Chunk it up lots of vegetables. Extra frozen vegetables offer variety to your soups as well as extra fiber and nutrients.
6. Beware of the extra toppings. Your chili doesn’t need that dollop of sour cream. Your chowder doesn’t need three packages of oyster crackers. Try garnishes of fresh herbs and finely chopped vegetables
7. If purchasing soups, read the labels and choose healthier options.

Contact your weight management experts at the Metabolic Medical Centers to devise your healthy food plan.