There aren’t many foods in the world that are cozier and more comforting than a delicious bowl of soup. And while this emotional support food can bring an opportunity for extra nutrients your body may need, certain types of soups can be filled with unwanted, not-so-healthy ingredients. Thankfully, there are also plenty of healthy soup recipes you can make right at home. Making healthier soups is a great way to stick to some of your health goals in the colder months of the year, especially when life slows down and it becomes harder to get outside and get moving. And if you’re someone who is specifically trying to lose weight or fat around the abdominal area, incorporating healthy recipes into your daily routine can help.
Please note that I would never claim that a healthy soup recipe alone would be enough to help you lose belly fat. Losing abdominal fat is a process that is driven by an overall shift in diet, an uptick in daily movement, reduced stress, quality sleeping habits, and essentially an all-around healthy lifestyle. But what the soup recipes mentioned below can offer are important fat-burning nutrients and ingredients like fiber, protein, and healthy fats, while being lower in total calorie count. One study found that a diet high in quality protein was associated with less abdominal fat, and another study found that incorporating higher levels of fiber along with regular exercise led to decreased belly fat.
Below you’ll find 11 soup recipes that are lower in calories and made with plenty of fiber, protein, or both to help you stick to your belly fat-burning goals. Then for more helpful cooking tips, check out 12 Chefs’ Secrets for Making the Perfect Soup.
1
Beef Stew in Red Wine
At 410 calories per serving, this soup is not only lower in calorie count than many other beef stews, but it’s made with plenty of fibrous veggies and carbs like carrots, potatoes, and peas. The beef will also give you a boost of protein while still keeping the saturated fat content low.
Get our recipe for Beef Stew in Red Wine.
Make better eating choices every day by signing up for our newsletter!
2
Low-Fat Hearty Turkey Chili Recipe
A warm bowl of chili is the perfect meal for a chilly day, but certain chilis can sometimes be full of calories and fat. This turkey chili, which is only 330 calories and 6 grams of fat per serving, is a healthier alternative. With this soup you’ll get a boost of protein from the turkey and beans, as well as a fiber boost from the white and pinto beans.
Get our recipe for Low-Fat Hearty Turkey Chili.
3
Chickpea Quinoa Soup
Another cozy soup that’s easy to make, this chickpea quinoa recipe provides both protein and fiber. You can leave this one vegetarian, or add in your favorite lean meat for even more protein.
Get our recipe for Chickpea Quinoa Soup.
4
Classic Butternut Squash Soup
This recipe may require a bit more time and effort than some of the others on the list, but its nutrient-density and delicious flavors make it worth the energy spent. Not only do you get your fiber boost with this one, but you’ll also get a helpful dose of omega-3s and vitamin A as well.
Get our recipe for Classic Butternut Squash Soup.
