Chicken Soup for My Soul

There are lots of old wives tales about chicken soup and its medicinal properties. I happen to be a firm believer in the healing powers of chicken soup. Maybe that's why I made it tonight...I'm in need of a little healing.

As I've said before, food's not just about fueling the body; it is about an experience. Food uses all of your senses. You smell the aroma of onions, garlic, and thyme mixing in the air as the broth bubbles. You hear the soft sound of the simmering water. You feel the warm steam before you ever feel the heat of the soup. You see the lovely veggies swimming in the golden liquid; tiny herb leaves and bits of pepper floating. Then finally, you taste the brothy soup; the herbs and garlic perfectly balanced with peppery chicken.

My soup is simple. I cube a chicken breast (I use organic chicken) and toss it into water. To that, I add 1/2 an onion 2-4 garlic cloves, 1-2 cubed carrots, 1 sliced rib of celery, thyme, salt & pepper. Tonight, I also added some broken up spaghetti. It's a perfect mixture and so delicious!

Soups can be a wonderfully healthy addition to every diet. They're a great way to sneak more veggies in too! Studies have shown that people who eat soups before a meal consume less calories. This is because the soup helps you feel fuller. It's full of liquid, which can help fill you up with fewer calories. The catch is to choose and enjoy healthier soups, avoiding high fat ingredients like cream, butter, and oils.

Chicken soup specifically can be a curative soup (along with plenty of rest and fluids). The reasons are many. First of all, it provides fluids, which you need lots of when you're sick. It also provides good protein, important to healing. Next, depending on the veggies, it can be a good source of vitamins that contribute to good health. Finally, ingredients like garlic and herbs can have antibacterial properties to ward of germs!

So, next time you get a cold, enjoy a steaming cup of soup. And even if the healing you need is of the emotional or spiritual kind, a good cup of soup sure will make you feel warm inside!