Good for you/bad for you: soup

As the weather turns colder, many of us crave a warm, hearty dish to thaw our insides and keep us going. Among the healthier and warmer options are soups. Ingredients such as beans, lentils and other vegetables offer protein, fiber and flavor without a high number of calories.

Some soups are healthier than others, however. Nancy Donahey, Lawrence nutritionist, says to look for soups with non-starchy vegetables such as green beans, carrots, celery and onions. Starchy vegetables, such as corn and potatoes, contain more calories and carbohydrates. Donahey also says that cheese-based soups or creamy soups have a higher fat content. These tend to be made with cream or whole milk, which contain saturated fat. Donahey says broth-based soups are healthier and can be just as filling as creamy soups.

If you still prefer cream-based soups, Adrienne Baxter, dietician at the University of Kansas Medical Center, offers a few tips. For those who make their soups at home, create the cream base with low-fat milk. If you want a thicker but healthier base, Baxter says you can also use low-fat canned milk.

When it comes to meat, Baxter recommends using a leaner-cut beef as opposed to ground chuck. As for vegetables, lentils and barley are an excellent source of whole grain and dietary fiber, as are chickpeas, garbanzo beans and kidney beans, which can also add a Mediterranean or Italian touch to your soup. Donahey also recommends all-bean soups as a good source of protein and vitamins.

So, if you’re cold and looking to indulge in a warm dish, grab a bowl of soup and take a healthy bite.

VERDICT: GOOD FOR YOU

 

Related articles

Good for you/Bad for you: Bagels

The truth about bagels and your health.

/news/2009/aug/27/good_bad/

Healthy eating made easier

A meal-by-meal guide to nutritious yet satisfying food alternatives

/news/2008/oct/09/healthy_eating_made_easier/

Foods to help you lose that butt ...

Eating healthy during school doesn’t require as much time or money as ...

/news/2009/sep/03/healthyfoods/

New Better Bites campaign caters to federal ...

/news/2005/nov/29/better_bites/

Eat this: Nutella Dip

Food should be fun.

/news/2012/jan/25/eat-nutella-dip/

Good for you, bad for you: Low-fat ...

Verdict: Other than dairy, BAD FOR YOU

/news/2009/apr/30/good_you_bad_you_lowfat_snack_foods/

Make over your breakfast

/news/2006/may/11/jp_makeoveryourbreakfast/

Suddenly salad

Rediscover the health benefits of salad and find some varieties you may ...

/news/2009/mar/26/suddenly_salad/

Gross: Good alternatives to dairy milk exist

While much milk containing chemicals, there are other options.

/news/2010/sep/02/gross-good-alternatives-dairy-milk-exist/

More salad with that dressing?

Cutting, Counting and Consuming: Calorie intake on campus may seem healthy, but ...

/news/2012/apr/18/calorie-contradiction/

Tasting Tofu

Discover the magic of this vegetarian staple.

/news/2006/jan/25/tasting_tofu/

Eat This: Bell Pepper Salad

A healthy and budget friendly dish that's packed with flavor.

/news/2012/mar/01/eat-this/

Safe at HOMEBASE

The task force HOMEBASE passed out some samples of its Better Bites ...

/news/2007/nov/14/bites/

Good for you, bad for you: Added ...

Sometimes it's hard to tell.

/news/2010/dec/02/good-you-bad-you-added-fiber/

Its the Great Pumpkin, Larry-town

Pumpkins are a fun and decorative Halloween tradition, but they’re also a ...

/news/2007/oct/25/its_great_pumpkin_larrytown/

Creative crock pot

/news/2005/sep/15/creative_crock_pot/

Better Options for Bad Situations: Baking

If you're going to do it, be smart.

/news/2011/oct/20/better-options-bad-situations-baking/

Fast food remains popular, yet unhealthy

A recent survey found that most Americans prefer fast food for its ...

/news/2010/nov/16/fast-food/

Brain Food

/news/2005/aug/25/brain_food/

Spring Eats

Celebrate the return of nice weather with fresh, healthy meal ideas

/news/2007/apr/26/spring_eats/

Essential life skills: nutrition on the go

In case of emergency, read quickly.

/news/2010/mar/25/essential-life-skills/

Mastering the art of college cooking

Tired of frozen dinners? Cooking for yourself doesn't always require natural talent ...

/news/2010/apr/08/mastering-art-college-cooking/

Dining Services gives free Better Bites samples

The Better Bites program offers low-fat, healthier entrees and snacks within KU ...

/news/2009/sep/30/dining_services_gives_free_better_bites_samples/

Roesler: Going noodles for restaurant

Roesler salivates over the thought of Noodles and Company moving to Lawrence.

/news/2009/oct/08/roesler_noodles/

Soy: superfood or super health risk?

Could the vitamin-packed, once-touted bean actually be hurting your health?

/news/2009/oct/08/soy-superfood-or-super-health-risk/

Better Options for Bad Situations: Whole Grain ...

If you're going to do it, be smart.

/news/2011/dec/08/better-options-bad-situations-whole-grain-bread/

Good for you, bad for you: Whole ...

Sometimes it's hard to tell.

/news/2010/oct/07/good-you-bad-you-whole-milk/

Excessive meat consumption could pose health risk

Dieticians say students should balance diets and avoid high-fat red meats.

/news/2009/apr/01/excessive_meat_consumption_could_pose_health_risk/

/comments/cr/33/15874/#c12829

Keep coffee choices healthy

Students who want a caffeine buzz can still maintain a healthy lifestyle.

/news/2010/oct/25/keep-coffee-choices-healthy/

Step up your smoothie

Benefit from crafting your own blended beverages.

/news/2007/oct/18/step_your_smoothie/

Slow Down and Chew

Eating slowly and healthy helps you during finals and the holidays.

/news/2011/dec/08/slow-down-and-chew/

The Merc challenges people to eat local

Eating locally produced foods is healthier, tastier and good for the environment, ...

/news/2008/sep/12/merc/

Grab a slice

When in doubt for dinner, pick up a pizza. With delivery, carry-out ...

/news/2010/dec/09/grab-slice/

Pred: Debunking the great protein myth

You don't need as much protein as you think.

/news/2012/feb/24/pred-debunking-great-protein-myth/

Better options for bad situations: stressing out

If you're going to do it, be smart.

/news/2011/aug/31/better-options-bad-situations-stressing-out/

Survival Skills: Eating Healthy on a Budget

Tips for healthy eating alternatives while still saving money.

/news/2012/mar/14/survival-skills/

Forgotten fruit

Even though eating fruit has major health benefits, college students aren’t getting ...

/news/2010/sep/20/forgotten-fruit/

Trans fat statistics not available for Dining ...

/news/2006/apr/10/fats/

Fiber an essential part of your diet

Eating enough fiber is an important part of your diet but some ...

/news/2010/mar/29/fiber-essential-part-your-diet/

Comments

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

Sign in to comment