by Dr. Tina Marcantel
I’m a big believer in using food as medicine, but what exactly does that mean? The term “healthy eating” can sometimes be misunderstood as a diet of raw broccoli and rice cakes, but consuming delicious healthful food is really just a matter of being aware of our meals’ ingredients.
I am a “foodie,” and I love to experiment in the kitchen. The other day I came up with a great-tasting recipe that’s an example of what I’m talking about. This hearty soup is packed with proteins and vegetables and offers a delicious creamy texture to the palate.
Cream of Chicken Chili Soup
Ingredients:
- 32 oz. Simple Truth Low Sodium Free Range Chicken Broth
- 2 cups organic Simple Truth frozen whole corn
- 2 15 oz. cans Simple Truth garbanzo beans, pureed in blender
- 1 15 oz. can Simple Truth black beans
- 1 15 oz. can Simple Truth tomato sauce
- 1 broasted chicken (deboned)
- 1 can Rotel diced tomatoes
- 1 pack chili seasoning mix
- 1 large chopped onion
- 16 oz. butternut squash (cubed)
- Salt to taste
Add all ingredients to a large pot. Bring to boil for 20 minutes, then lower temperature setting to simmer for 2-3 hours. Serve with a dollop of sour cream or a side of guacamole or sprinkle soup with tortilla chips. Alternatively, you can place all ingredients in a crock pot on low to medium and cook for 4 hours.
So how can this soup be considered “medicine” for your body? Let’s take a look at just a few of the ingredients I chose.
Butternut squash is rich in nutrients and fiber and low in calories. The nutrient vitamin A promotes eye health, bone health, and contributes to supporting the immune system. This vegetable has plenty of vitamin B that our body requires for red blood cell function and energy synthesis, plus potassium and magnesium that are important for healthy bones.
Both black beans and garbanzo beans are rich in fiber and are digested slowly to prevent blood sugar spikes and weight gain. They may also lower cholesterol. Beans also contain potassium, iron, and magnesium that are responsible for many chemical processes in the body. Beans are high in proteins and very affordable.
All of the Simple Truth brand products listed are USDA certified organic, which means they are produced without the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers and are free of genetically engineered ingredients. They are also free of antibiotics and growth hormones as well as many artificial preservatives and ingredients found in more highly-processed foods. (Note: I have no affiliation with the Simple Truth brand—I just like their products!)
Changing to a healthier diet doesn’t have to mean compromising on enjoyable meals; it’s just a matter of being more aware of your ingredients. After all, it really is true that “you are what you eat”!
