Soup diets are an unhealthy fad, but one with a bit of logic and science behind it. Broth-based soups do aid in weight loss, offering a high-fiber, low-fat option for lunch and dinner. Modern interpretations of soup diets include a wider variety of healthy foods as well as tastier variations such as taco soup. You can fit this light and healthy soup into nearly any diet or simply enjoy it for its flavor.
A Healthy Soup Diet
Skip the unhealthy fad diets and plan a healthier diet that includes a vegetable-laden soup. Add your light taco soup to a diet plan that includes a portion controlled breakfast and lunch, then a soup with some additions to round out a healthy dinner. Enjoy your spicy soup as a between-meal snack to alleviate hunger and keep your diet on track.
Ingredients
Create your taco soup with a variety of basic ingredients available in any supermarket. Use chicken or vegetable broth as the basis of your taco soup. Add a wide variety of vegetables, including onions, peppers, chilies, greens, tomatoes, and squash. Try broccoli, cauliflower or any of your favorites in this soup. Season your soup with cumin, chili powder and garlic or heat it up with chipotle chilies or chipotle chili powder.
Additions
If you plan to have your taco soup as a meal rather than a starter or a between-meal snack, increase the calories and nutrition by adding high-protein foods to your soup. Try stirring in shredded chicken or adding black beans to your soup. If you feel comfortable adding the calories and carbohydrates, include a small amount of corn or brown rice in your soup for flavor and bulk.
Toppings
Many of your favorite taco toppings are high in fat and calories. Replace sour cream with nonfat Greek yogurt, but consider including a small amount of heart-healthy avocado as a topping for your taco soup. If you've accounted for the calories, you can also try crumbled baked tortilla chips on your light taco soup.
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