Winter Isn’t Complete Without These Ultra-Cozy, Gut-Healthy Soups

Warm up with Healthy Winter Soups

As the weather turns chillier, there’s nothing better than cozying up with a warm, nutritious soup. Not only will a steaming bowl lift your spirits, but loading up on vegetables and immune-boosting ingredients can give your health a boost too.

Benefits of Soup

• Packed with veggies and nutrients
• Can aid digestion
• Hydrating and comforting
• Easy to make in big batches

When we nourish our bodies with wholesome ingredients, we also nourish our souls. A cozy kitchen filled with simmering soup inspires warmth, community, and comfort.

5 Gut-Healthy Winter Soups

Here are 5 of my favorite gut-healthy soup recipes to warm you up this season:

1. Carrot Turmeric Soup – Anti-inflammatory and glowing with beta carotene
2. Creamy Broccoli Soup – Satisfyingly thick and full of fiber
3. Immunity Cabbage Soup – Packed with vitamin C from cabbage and other veggies
4. Curried Red Lentil Soup – Vegan protein and prebiotics for good gut bacteria
5. Chicken Vegetable Noodle Soup – Classic flavor with a nutritional boost

Ingredient Spotlight: Turmeric

Turmeric is a yellow spice common in Indian and Asian cuisine that also boasts some impressive health benefits. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has been studied extensively for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and even anti-cancer effects. I love adding fresh or powdered turmeric to soups for its vibrant golden color and dose of nutrition. Just a pinch can transform a basic soup into a gut-soothing elixir. Give it a try in carrot ginger soup or lentil dal!

Tips for Meal-Prepping Soups

To save time and make the most of soup season, try doubling recipes and prepping ahead:

• Make a big batch. Soups often freeze and reheat beautifully.
• Portion into containers to grab and go for easy lunches.
• Swap in different add-ins like cooked grains, greens, or plant-based protein to reinvent leftovers.
• Blend half the batch smooth for a fun texture change.

With a freezer full of nourishing soup creations, you’ll be ready to thaw and reheat comforting, gut-healthy bowls all season long!

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making healthy winter soups:

What vegetables work best in winter soups?

Hardy winter veggies like carrots, sweet potatoes, onions, garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and squash are all great in soups. You can also use canned or frozen vegetables if fresh aren’t in season.

How can I sneak more nutrients into my soup recipes?

Boost the nutrition in any soup by mixing in extra veggies like spinach, kale, celery, zucchini, or peppers. You can also stir in quinoa, brown rice, or lentils for a protein and fiber punch. Adding fresh herbs gives both flavor and health perks!

Which soups are gut-healthiest?

Soups packed with vegetables, lentils, beans, and whole grains feed the good bacteria in your gut microbiome. Ingredients like onions, garlic, turmeric, and bone broth provide prebiotics and antioxidants too. Go easy on creamy ingredients, which can irritate sensitive digestive systems.

Should soup recipes be vegetarian to support gut health?

Not necessarily! Animal proteins like chicken, beef, and fish can be part of a gut-healthy diet. Focus on quality ingredients and well-sourced proteins. If going vegetarian, incorporate plant-based proteins like lentils, chickpeas, tempeh, and tofu to ensure you get all amino acids.

How can I make my soup even more anti-inflammatory?

Boost the anti-inflammatory effects of your soup with ingredients like turmeric, ginger, garlic, onions, green tea, cherries, berries, dark leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and olive oil. Spices like cinnamon, rosemary, thyme, cayenne, and cloves also have anti-inflammatory benefits.

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