Soup du jour - eating soup as part of a healthy diet can help control calorie intake

American Fitness, May, 2001 by D.K. Howe

Research shows that eating soup as part of a healthy diet can be a quick and easy way to control calories. Here are some suggestions to help you reduce your caloric intake by at least a 100 calories per day:

* When cooking ready-to-serve soups--canned, frozen or dehydrated--add leftover vegetables, rice or pasta for more nutrition and larger servings.

* Make lunch a soup and sandwich. Research shows you're likely to consume fewer calories.

* For an afternoon snack, have a broth-based soup like chicken noodle, tomato or vegetarian vegetable.

* Fill up on a cup of soup before diving into your entree.

* No time for a three-course dinner? A hearty soup with lots of vegetables, some rice or pasta and a little protein can make a meal.

* Worried that you'll go overboard on the hors d'oeuvres at a party? Have a cup of soup while you're getting ready to go and you'll be less likely to overeat that evening.