Cozy Winter Essentials: Stay Warm with These Must-Have Items

WINTER WARMERS
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With this cooler weather, soups are now on rotation at our place. I’ve been asked by a few people (including @becwilke) for recipes which I find tough because like with most things I cook- I make it up as I go along and hope for the best ???
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However all of our soups have a similar base.
• 1 brown onion chopped
• 1 tin diced tomatoes
• LOTS of spice like ground cumin, coriander and cloves (dad says the cloves are a secret ingredient) a bit of ground turmeric and chilli.
• Chop up and add any veggies you have. Celery, potato, carrot, parsnip, zucchini, mushrooms.
• A bit of spiral pasta or cannoli beans are a great addition.
• Add vegetable stock. Amount will depend on your batch size. You may want to keep an eye on this and add a little extra (ours sometimes becomes more like a stew!)
• Leave as is if you’re vego/vegan. Otherwise you can cook your batch of soup with 2-3 bacon bones. You take them out after the soup is cooked and it doesn’t add any meat flesh, so no extra protein but it does add flavour.
• Let the soup simmer away until the veg are cook d through. ?⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Title: How to Make a Low-Calorie Salad for a Healthy Meal

Introduction:
Salads are a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and can be a delicious and satisfying meal option. By using low-calorie ingredients, you can create a healthy and nutrient-rich salad that won’t derail your diet goals.

Choosing the right ingredients:
When making a low-calorie salad, it’s important to choose ingredients that are both nutritious and low in calories. Here are some examples of low-calorie ingredients to include in your salad:

1. Leafy greens: Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and arugula are packed with vitamins and minerals while being low in calories. For example, one cup of spinach only has 7 calories.

2. Vegetables: Add a variety of colorful vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots to your salad. These vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied. For example, one cup of sliced cucumbers only has 16 calories.

3. Protein: Adding lean protein sources like grilled chicken, tofu, or beans to your salad can help keep you full and satisfied. For example, 3 ounces of grilled chicken breast has around 120 calories.

4. Healthy fats: Include sources of healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or seeds in your salad for added flavor and satiety. While these ingredients are higher in calories, they are also nutrient-dense and can help keep you full longer. For example, 1 ounce of almonds has around 160 calories.

Dressing options:
When it comes to dressing your salad, opt for lighter options like balsamic vinaigrette, lemon juice, or a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing. Avoid creamy dressings like ranch or Caesar, as they can be high in calories and unhealthy fats. One tablespoon of ranch dressing can have around 73 calories, compared to around 30 calories for a tablespoon of balsamic vinaigrette.

Putting it all together:
To make a low-calorie salad, start with a base of leafy greens and vegetables, add a source of lean protein, sprinkle on some healthy fats, and drizzle with a light dressing. Mix everything together and enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that won’t break your calorie bank.

Conclusion:
Eating a low-calorie salad is a great way to boost your intake of nutrient-dense foods while keeping your calorie intake in check. By choosing the right ingredients and dressing options, you can create a satisfying and delicious salad that will leave you feeling satisfied and fueled for the day ahead. So next time you’re looking for a healthy meal option, consider whipping up a low-calorie salad for a nutritious and delicious option.

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