Chicken Soup for the Soul

 

 It’s been a while since I wrote a post about what’s going on in my kitchen. I did write about that I am currently doing Intermitted Fasting in my post EAT TO LIVE, DON’T LIVE TO EAT last month. I am still on that by the way and feeling awesome. But my last post on meals was back in July of 2022. I dropped a post called, LETTUCE EAT HEALTHY: COOKING UP CHICKEN FRIED RICE. Thinking about it, I need to cook up some of that fried rice again soon. So delicious. 

 So, what does one eat when they’re basically only eating one meal per day? I highly doubt anyone would think that it would be chicken soup. But my chicken soup isn’t just soup, it is a complete meal packed with nutrients. Just like my moms used to make. 

 Yes, a homemade chicken soup made with onions, peppers, garlic, potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, a little pasta, and chicken drumsticks and wings is generally considered a very healthy, nutrient-dense meal. It provides a balanced combination of protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and vitamins. Spiced up to taste which I love spices, this soup gets your tastebuds break dancing believe me. When I was a kid I used to love when my moms put corn on cob in the soup. I’d get all disappointed when I would only get one piece. Now that I’m running the kitchen, I load up the soup with plenty of corn on the cob so I can have as many pieces as I want. 

 There are literally hundreds of recipes for chicken soup online you can choose from. From there you can make it into your own. I actually used to sit in the kitchen with my moms as she cooked nearly every day so I pretty much remembered how she made her soup. I stray a little, but the basic foundation remains unchanged. If anyone wants the recipe just comment and I will get that to you. 

 When I make a pot of soup, it lasts for 3 to 4 days. If the chicken runs out, I will bake up a batch and add it to the soup say on day three. It is so delicious that no, I do not grow tired of it. No one in the house seems to mind at all. Served up with some nice bread this meal definitely holds me over till the following day. 

Here is a breakdown of why this specific combination is healthy and how to maximize its nutritional value:

Nutritional Highlights

• Protein (Chicken Drumsticks/Wings): Provides essential amino acids for muscle repair and immune function. Using bone-in chicken (drumsticks/wings) adds collagen and minerals to the broth during simmering.
• Fiber and Vitamins (Vegetables): Onions, peppers, peas, and carrots add essential vitamins (A, K, C) and antioxidants that support overall health.
• Complex Carbohydrates (Potatoes/Pasta): Potatoes add heartiness and fiber, while a small amount of pasta provides energy and makes the dish filling.
• Hydration: The broth helps with hydration and, when warm, can relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat. 
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Considerations for Maximum Health

• Skinning the Chicken: While wings and drumsticks are flavorful, the skin adds fat. Removing the skin before or after cooking reduces saturated fat content while keeping the meat tender.
• Sodium Control: Homemade soup allows you to control salt, which is important as canned versions can have excessive sodium.
• Balanced Ratios: Using a "little" pasta as mentioned keeps the focus on the nutrient-dense vegetables and protein, preventing the soup from becoming too high in refined carbohydrates. 

In summary, this soup is a "powerhouse" of nutrients, great for both daily health and immune support. Thank you for reading.