When we talk about eating healthy we typically hear that it is important to eat more fruits and vegetables, less red meat, saturated fats and sugars.  While these are generally agreed upon in the mainstream, those of us who seek a higher standard for ourselves would agree that there are degrees within the spectrum of healthy diets.  When we are aiming higher than the Standard American Diet (acronym SAD and wow does that fit!), there are a variety of diets that get increasingly restrictive while at the same time getting 'healthier'.  Read On

Simple Yummy Broccoli Soup 
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Yields: 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 bunches broccoli
½ onion
1 parsnip
2 cloves garlic, diced
1 red pepper, diced
2 tablespoons tamari

 

Directions:
1. Cut off the flowers of the broccoli so that you have almost no portion of the stock and place in a separate bowl.
2. Cut the onion, stock of the broccoli and the parsnip into small pieces.
3. Place in a medium pot and fill with water just until the veggies are covered and bring to a boil.
4. Cook until soft, about 10-12 minutes.
5. Remove broccoli, onion and parsnip from the water and blend in blender.
6. Slowly add the water from the pot to your blender to get a good soup consistency.
7. Add garlic and tamari, and blend.
8. Place soup back in the pot, add broccoli flowers and red pepper.
9. Leave on low heat for 5-10 minutes. Serve hot with a little fresh ground pepper.

Variations:
· Soup is also a great place to unload leftovers. Toss in whole grains, beans or leftover veggies to give it a little extra kick.