Since the dawn of time, soup has been one of the safest ways to get your desired nutrients. Stew, thick, thin, cold, hot, and several other variations have emerged. To claim that soups are adaptable would not be an exaggeration. A bowl of hot soup is ideal to warm yourself on a chilly winter day. With the appropriate balance of healing elements, soup may be one of the most hydrating liquids you'll encounter. You may tailor a soup's healing properties to your own unique need, and there are many different kinds of soup from which to choose. Did you know that eating soup can help you lose weight? From attending to hunger as a quick and wholesome meal, soups are a great option to hydrate, energise and recover the body. There is a soup for every need and occasion.
Water-replenishing Soup
Even while being hydrated is essential for peak performance, it's easy to forget about it in the colder months when we don't perspire as much as in the warmer ones when we're always on the go. Soup is an excellent choice for rehydrating on a sunny day and before and after physical training. Why is soup so special, anyway? However, the condition is don't settle for commercially sold or ready-to-make soups. These are often high in sodium. Thus, include a low-salt diet and homemade low-salt soups.
Chicken soup, Image Source: Pexels
Pre-workout soup
Soup is an ideal pre-workout meal since it supplies liquids, food, and electrolytes. A liquid supplement may be the best solution for those struggling to digest solid food before working out. While smoothies are delicious in their own right, they may not be the fitting choice if staying hydrated. Even while milk has some sodium—about the same as many sports drinks—soup has even more electrolytes than smoothies. Soup's fantastic since you can modify the ingredients to suit your diet and fitness goals. If you need a lot of energy, try adding some barley or noodles, and if you want something sustaining, try utilising low-GI items like sweet potato or quinoa. Consider rice if you need food that will digest rapidly. The salt level can be adjusted to suit individual preferences and hydration requirements. If your workouts or games are particularly taxing, you may want to bulk up your soup with extra protein or carbs. Or save the lighter meal for the time before the simpler activities when you won't require as much energy.
Best picks:
Your pre-workout soup list can include cream of sweet potato, chicken with sweetcorn, quinoa, and vegetables. Go for rice or millet noodle-based wonton soup.
Soups to heal and recover
Soups are great for starting the recuperation process, but make sure they have a good amount of high-quality protein like lean meat, chicken, or fish. Most soups are higher in water and veggies than carbohydrates, so you may need to supplement. Pick a minestrone-style soup with pasta and beans or a soup made with potatoes or sweet potatoes as the foundation. You could also want some bread or crackers depending on how much carbohydrate you need.
Best picks:
Count on soups such as chicken and chickpea, lamb and barley, minestrone, and seafood noodle soups in an Asian manner.
Soup for weight loss
Healthy fish soup in the making, Image Source: Pexels
Soup is so versatile that it not only nourishes, hydrates, and heals, but it also aids in weight loss. Unlike those with a cream or carbohydrate basis, broth-style soups are the greatest for weight reduction. For a low-calorie, full, and healthy dinner choice, include as many veggies as possible to fill fibre and add lean protein. Soup isn't necessary for all three daily meals but is great for lunch or a simple supper. Prepare soup in large quantities and store it in separate containers in the freezer.
Best picks
Go for soups such as tomato-basil soup, broccoli soup, vegetable soup in a brothy style, chicken soup with vegetables, low-sodium clear soup etc.