The Diet Diary

Starting every meal with either a soup or salad is one of the simplest ways to start eating less naturally. Studies show people who eat low energy density foods tend to consume fewer calories at each meal and snack less later in the day. The result: natural weight loss! For more details, read “The Volumetrics Weight Control Plan”.

Here’s a great soup recipe to add to your files. You can eat it as a first course or as a full meal. It’s quick and easy to prepare, but you can also freeze a few servings to eat at later meals.

Serves 8.
Prep time 15 minutes.
Cook Time 20 minutes.

1 T extra-virgin olive oil.
3 ounces pancetta.
1 large yellow onion, peeled and chopped.
1 cup parsley, chopped.
3 cups frozen baby peas.
4 cups finely shredded romaine lettuce.
4 cups chicken broth
pepper to taste.

Heat pan over medium heat until hot. Add oil and pancetta and saute until fat starts to melt . Now, add the onions and celery and saute everything together until the onions are soft– about 8 minutes. Add peas, lettuce and broth. Bring to boil; lower heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Puree using an immersion blender. Add pepper to taste.