Why soup should not be considered a complete meal according to this nutritionist

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With winter setting in, vegetable soup naturally invites itself to our tables, warming up our frosty evenings. Easy to prepare, full of vitamins and comforting, it seems like the perfect choice for a healthy dinner. But according to dietician Lucie Séguéla in Cosmopolitansoup alone is nowhere near enough to meet your body’s energy needs. If you want to avoid nighttime cravings and maintain a good nutritional balance, it’s best to rethink your meals. Why is soup not enough? Here are the explanations from a nutrition expert.

Vegetable soup has many benefits: rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, it contributes to good digestion and hydrates your body. However, its energy intake is largely insufficient to constitute a complete meal. “Even with a potato or a few root vegetables, the calories remain low compared to the needs of a balanced dinner,” explains Lucie Séguéla. Result ? A deceptive feeling of satiety which can quickly give way to cravings. Unless you supplement the soup with protein sources (like chicken or eggs) and starchy foods (rice, pasta, or bread), it won’t be able to meet your nutritional needs.

Rather than giving up on this comforting dish, enrich it! Opt for whole soups like minestrone or Asian soups, which include proteins (meat, tofu or eggs) and starches (noodles, legumes). Another simple tip: accompany your soup with garnished toast, or small healthy sandwiches. If you have a bigger appetite, pair it with more substantial dishes, like a slice of quiche or a gratin!