Eating Soup for Weight Loss

Eating a broth-based soup before your main meal could help you eat fewer calories overall.

Eating soup can help you lose weight by increasing fiber and curbing your appetite. But not all soups are smart for those of us watching our weight. And how do you make soup into a meal that won't leave you ravenous in an hour? Here are some smart tips on eating soup for weight loss:

• Vegetable soup is virtually an ideal appetizer to help you lose weight. Most varieties contain 100 calories or less per serving. Plus, vegetables contain lots of fiber, which helps you feel full (and thereby prevent overeating) when you consume it before your meal.
• To make pre-prepared soups heartier and even more nutritious add frozen or canned vegetables or beans. Remember, additional fiber will help you feel fuller longer.

• For a stick-to-your-ribs dinner, make your own bread bowl. Simply purchase ready-made large whole-grain rolls (or mini loaves) at your local bakery or grocery store, hollow them out and fill with soup. (This is also really tasty with chili. My pick is Amy's Low Sodium Vegetarian Chili.).

• Choose tomato- or broth-based soups often. If you're really in the mood for a creamy variety, use water or fat-free evaporated milk instead of whole milk during preparation. Check for reduced-fat versions (I think my favorite, the 98% fat-free version of cream of chicken soup, is almost identical to the regular version.).

• If you get bored with the soups you normally keep on hand, don't be afraid to try something new. Pick a variety at random at your next shopping trip. Or, combine two different varieties you already have together for a new flavor experience. Be sure to check out frozen soup varieties at your grocery store; you're sure to find a new and unique variety.

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