Tips on How to Make a Soup Diet More Filling and Satisfying

Soup diets are all the rage for weight loss seekers hoping to drop a little excess water at the beginning of a low calorie diet plan. With today's soups full of robust vegetables, noodles, and more in low calorie and low sodium options, the menu choices for soup dieters are endless. The only problem? Any meal that consists mostly of liquid isn't going to sustain you for long, especially if your schedule involves any running around or manual labor. That's not to mention long hours that must be endured at the office while trying to subsist on broth and carrots. However, there are steps you can take to improve the downfalls. Consider the following tips on how to make a soup diet more filling and satisfying before you dive into that next bowl of minestrone.

Tip #1: Add your own fresh vegetables. Sure, it may say "vegetable soup" on the can, but you might not be getting what you thought you paid for. Adding ½ cup of fresh vegetables to any condensed version of your favorite soup will pack on the nutrients and bulk without packing on the calories.

Tip #2: Add a high protein, low calorie meat. Throwing in a touch of lean beef or chicken is a great way to make any soup more satisfying. To save time, keep sliced chunks (of the stew variety) in your freezer at all times that can be cooked and added with little trouble. Remember to keep cuts lean, and try not to add more than a 2-4 ounce serving to the entire meal.

Tip #3: Throw in sliced almonds. Surprisingly, thinly sliced almonds can be fantastic when added to the right soups. High in "good fats," almonds can satisfy cravings for fats, salt, and sweets all at one time. Sprinkle them on top of your next bowl for a dramatic change.

Top #4: Toss in some sunflower seeds. Again, not a traditional option, but sunflower seeds actually taste great in certain soups and are a great way to add a salty taste without all the sodium. They make a crunchy, satisfying topping that also adds "good fats" to your meal.

Tip #5: Cook in a few beans. Pinto beans and other similar varieties offer more protein and fiber than any other vegetable, making them a great addition to otherwise boring soups. Be careful to measure out your servings to keep fat content down, but otherwise enjoy filling up on this flavorful addition.

Tip #6: When making homemade soups, cut larger portions of your vegetables. You can actually trick the body into thinking that it is eating more by slowly enjoying larger portions with each spoonful. Even if you add a few calories to your meal this way, the benefit of the extra nutrients and satiety will far surpass any damage that an extra celery stick can do.

Tip #7: Stir in tomato sauce. If the soup recipe is compatible with it, consider adding a few tablespoons of low calorie tomato sauce to your base. The flavor and smooth texture will greatly enhance your dining experience far beyond what a simple broth might provide.

Tip #8: Pour on the garlic and other rich spices. Most spices, other than salt, offer almost no calories and tremendous flavor. Because our taste buds can fool us into thinking that we aren't getting enough food if the flavor isn't there, adding a little spice can work in your favor when it comes to making yourself feel fuller longer. This trick is especially useful for those consuming low sodium soups, which often skimp on flavor and excitement.

Remember to speak to your physician before starting any new diet plan, and keep in mind that soup dieters must take careful note of the protein and fiber they are consuming. Other than that, enjoy losing the weight with these flavorful ideas.