There’s no denying that fall is pumpkin spice season. But for many of us, it’s also soup season. When a chill hits the air, there’s nothing quite like cooking up a hearty, warm soup. And luckily, there are plenty of healthy soup and stew recipes out there for people watching their weight or simply hoping to improve their health. But there are also plenty of unhealthy options to be aware of, including a few popular options that could lead to inflammation and weight gain.
To shed some light on one particularly unhealthy option, we spoke to Isaac Robertson, a nutritionist and fitness trainer at Total Shape. He told us that despite its hard-to-resist taste, cream of potato soup should be avoided as much as possible if you’re trying to slim down. Learn more about the risks of this creamy but detrimental soup below.
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Health effects of cream of potato soup
Robertson notes that creamy soups like this one frequently take the spotlight during the cozier months. However, he says, "while it's undeniably delicious and comforting, it can be a sneaky culprit when it comes to inflammation and weight gain." Say it ain't so!
So, what's the issue here? Unfortunately, the problem lies in one of the things that also makes cream of potato so tasty: it's creamy base. Robertson points out that it's "typically loaded with heavy cream and butter," two calorie-dense ingredients that are likely to lead to weight gain when consumed in excess. "Moreover, dairy products like cream can trigger inflammation in some individuals, especially those who are lactose intolerant or have dairy sensitivities," he warns.
Luckily, there is a way to cook up some creamy soup that poses less of a risk to your health. "Swap out the heavy cream for low-fat Greek yogurt or a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk," Robertson suggests. "You can also boost the flavor by adding spices like turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties. This way, you'll still get that creamy texture without the unwanted calories and inflammation." Score!
Additionally, Robertson tells us that "incorporating more veggies like sweet potatoes or cauliflower can further enhance the nutritional value of your soup." So, there you have it: while traditional cream of potato soup should be avoided to keep your waistline slim, these hacks can help save the day (and your health).
READ MORE: 3 Popular Fall Treats Nutritionists Want You To Avoid At All Costs For A Healthier Body
