Broccoli Cheddar Soup for the Soul

Many people may wonder, what are the nutrition benefits of a cream based soup? One major nutrient, is dietary fat. Fats are an important nutrient that are critical for nourishing our bodies. They also help you to absorb "fat-soluble" vitamin.

I hear a lot from clients, friends, family and even in the media, that certain foods are fattening. I'd like to process through this comment. Foods that contain fat do not cause you to automatically gain weight or increase the body fat percentage on your body. Fats have SO many vital functions in the body that they are used as they are digested. If there is excess this is stored in your body for later use, which is a self-preservation method since we may not always be able to eat when our body needs fuel. Is there such thing as too much fat? Sure! That's why we practice balance and moderation. I'd never encourage someone to eat just dietary fats all day long, because then they would miss out on all the other nutrients they need! Grains, proteins, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and fluids! Is it ok to eat foods that are higher in fat periodically? Yes, absolutely!

Dietary fats are also critical for development of hormones and neurotransmitters. Hormones and neurotransmitters are in large part responsible for our mood and/or mental health. When we say soup is good for your soul, scientifically it is good for our soul (mood/wellbeing/mental health!).

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I did! I paired the broccoli cheddar soup with fresh baked bread and butter! Stay warm everyone!

Ingredients

1 small onion, chopped

4 cups fresh broccoli, chopped

1 cup matchstick carrots

2 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

4 cups chicken stock

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup flour

2 cups milk (I used 2%)

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (I grated my own cheese andddd next time I will be buying already shredded to save A LOT more time! Ha!)

Recipe

1. Prepare all chopped ingredients. Add onion, broccoli, carrots, salt, pepper and chicken stock to crock pot.

2. Cover and cook for 3 hours on high (or 5 hours on low).

3. At the end of the 3 or 5 hours, melt butter in microwave safe bowl.

4. Whisk flour into butter. Add to crock pot.

5. Stir in milk and cheese.

6. Let cook for another hour or until cheese is melted.

7. Enjoy!