This minestrone soup recipe is the best for weight loss because it is high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, but low in fat. The low calorie liquid of the soup helps to fill you up on very few calories. And, the no-calorie fiber of the plant foods  will also fill you up but not add pounds of fat to your body, instead fiber will carry out fat.

I don’t recommend adding any hamburger or sausage, because animal products all tend to be very high in fat and cholesterol are not the optimal weight-loss food choices like vegetables, brown rice, and beans are. Plus, whenever you eat animal products, your immune system has to deal with all the foreign DNA. If you eat too much, you could come down with a flu.

Soup is your friend if you are trying to lose weight and if you avoid the creamy sauces which are fattening. It’s also good to choose whole grains instead of pasta. It does make a bit of difference, but is not as big a deal to weight gain as the fat. When grain is ground into flour and made into pasta or bread, the fiber is less effective at carrying out the fat. Grains contain many essential nutrients and give you some good starch for healthy energy.

This soup will give you a good balance of just enough energy and protein without making you fat. The watery liquid and fiber will give you a big boost in your weight loss efforts as you get filled up on less calories. The vegetables are low calorie. The beans and rice will give you just the right amount of energy to face your day without packing on the fat.

Best Minestrone Soup for Weight Loss by Janet Hailstone

• 6 cups water (zero calories)
  

  Adding low-calorie, high-fiber, vegetables to soups is a great way to get more vegetables for health and weight loss

• 1 can organic diced tomatoes (Avoid the GMO problems)
• 1 can or 1 1/2 cups of your choice of beans, drained and rinsed (pinto, black, kidney, northern or navy)
• 2 small or 1 medium zucchini, chopped up
• 1 cups shredded green cabbage
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 1 cup chopped carrots or carrot pulp (The carrot pulp has more fiber and works great in soup)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup uncooked or 1 1/2 cups cooked brown rice (contributes to weight loss with better fiber than pasta)
• 1/3 cup chicken seasoning recipe
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp basil
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp garlic powder or granules

Add all the ingredients except the five seasonings, to a 4 quart slow cooker. If you are going to work, put it on low for 4-5 hours and check for completion when you get back. The rice is what you want to check for doneness. Spoon a little out to test. If it’s not soft yet, try it on high for one hour. Everyone’s individual slow cooker is unique so check directions. However, slow cookers are easy to use and you won’t burn the recipe. Add additional water if necessary (1 cup at a time until it looks right) Five minutes before serving, add the five seasonings and stir well. Enjoy!

Variations: Use whatever chopped and shredded vegetables you like to substitute for any of the zucchini, cabbage, celery or carrots. Try a different type of onion (1 bunch green onions or a red onion, but keep an onion for flavor. Add 1 tsp turmeric for its mild flavor and cancer-fighting ability. Add 1/2 tsp cayenne for its healing benefits. Try a different grain; 1 cup of uncooked quinoa or 1/3 cup millet.

Throw in some walking and running and you have a winning combination. Here’s a site link to help you save money on your next treadmill.