Protein Filler Diet Soup

I’m kicking of the week with a recipe I made up, because as you’ve heard me talk before about how my mom kinda cooks… we just throw things together and it happens. And of course she taught me. So I took my background of being a Weight Watchers leader (which this time of year, I’m sure SO many are enrolling in every weight loss plan out there!), combined with flavors I love, combined with just what I know about food to come up with this ABSOLUTELY easy and filling FAST comfort food that is ON POINT and #onpurpose for losing weight.

Now… I’m sharing this with you for several reasons but the FIRST thing I ask you is to not judge me, only because it might not look or sound as appealing as it really is. But I promise you this…

Once you taste it, two things will happen.

1. You’re going to say OMG this is SO yummy, how can it be???
2. You’re going to lose weight.

You read that right. Now, I can’t guarantee that you will lose, but I will say, it has happened for me. Yup. I’ve lost weight. Several pounds actually. More than 2 or 3 or 4. And I do attribute a HUGE part of it to this soup.

Why?

Well, remember how I told you I used to be a Weight Watchers leader? We used to have a veggie 0 point soup recipe that was SUPER yummy and filling, and it’s a great “filler upper”. And even if you haven’t done Weight Watchers, you might have heard of a cabbage soup that’s pretty much all veggies. Well, take that concept of the canned veggies but we’re putting a twist on it. Here’s why and how…

I decided to use a can of Progresso Light Vegetable Barley soup as my “base”. It’s recommend by Weight Watchers as a low point food, so I know it’s a great place to start. THEN…. I add 2 parts protein: 1 can turkey chili, no beans, 98% fat free, and two cans mushrooms, rinsed. I ABSOLUTELY love mushrooms and they’re SO good for you… read more HERE. Well, the key to this soup is the PROTEIN! Ta daaa!!!! All the vegetable soups are great and filling and low everything, but if you don’t have the protein to carry you over, you’re going to be hungry in NO time.

So I’ve been eating this for lunch, just a cup, heating it up, sprinkling a bit of shredded cheese (because it’s just a tiny splurge that doesn’t bring up the calories and fat too much) for truly the feeling of a quick comfort food, chili some kinda yummy soup.

So there you have it. Don’t judge. Yes, it’s all canned stuff. Yes, the sodium on it probably isn’t the best. Fresh things are most certainly WAY better for us. But when you want something easy, quick, ready in a sec, diet friendly, yummy, filling, well….. here you go. Irene’s secret soup weapon!

Protein Fill-Me Diet Soup

1 can Progresso Light Vegetable Barley Soup
1 can turkey chili, no beans, 98% fat free
2 cans mushrooms, rinsed and drained

Combine all the cans on the stove in a saucepan. Heat, let simmer for a few minutes to get the flavors combined. Serve and sprinkle a bit of shredded cheese on top with a few crumbled tortilla chips (optional). If you don’t want it so thick and chunky, add only one can of mushrooms. I chose mushrooms for their protein rich nutrients, however, you can add any other vegetables you’d like.

Here’s the deal and the secret to food and diet… if you’re not hungry, you’re less likely to eat. And if the food that you’re eating TASTES good, then you’re more satisfied. SO this fits the equation. It fills you in a healthy way AND it’s satisfying. Bingo!

Serve this up on a cold day or just keep it in the fridge for when you’re wanting something ready and easy to heat that’s going to help you shed your pounds.. like me! Chime in below and let me know if you try this and love it as much as I do!