Now is the ideal season to whip up hearty batches of soup to savour throughout the week.
Quick to prepare, packed with nutrients and utterly comforting, a steaming bowl of homemade soup is second to none for meal prep – and is sure to be a hit with the entire family.
The chilly months often see us indulging in richer foods, enjoying an extra tipple or two, and succumbing to festive snacks, which can lead to a bit of weight gain. But for those looking to shed some pounds, a veggie-rich soup could be your secret weapon.
TikTok user Sarah Bernardo, who frequently shares insights into her life with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), has revealed her go-to ‘weight loss soup’.
PCOS is a common condition that impacts ovarian function and can lead to symptoms like irregular periods as well as increased androgen levels causing excess hair growth and weight gain.
Sarah’s protein-packed soup boasts a whopping 38 grams of protein to keep hunger at bay. She said: “If you need a filling high protein meal to have while losing weight with PCOS then give this a go! I love having this for lunch on a daily basis.”
To start, chop two carrots into half-moon slices, thinly slice four sticks of celery, and chunk up one brown onion. You’ll also need a tablespoon of garlic, five cups of vegetable stock, one cup of red lentils, a tin of mixed beans, and 400g of roast chicken.
Sarah started by frying onions in avocado oil before tossing in garlic and veggies to simmer for a couple of minutes. She then poured in five cups of vegetable stock, cranked up the heat until it boiled, and added a cup of red lentils, beans, and cooked chicken, letting it all come together for 10 minutes.
Each bowl of Sarah’s soup packs a punch with 459 calories and a whopping 38g of protein. TikTok users were quick to highlight the benefits of protein in the comments, with one noting: “Protein helps you feel fuller longer and can help regulate hormone levels.”
Another fan commented: “This is great! Thanks so much for sharing.”