Health experts have found that adding low-calorie vegetable broth to the start of a meal can actually help to lose weight.

The explanation: Because you tend to feel full sooner, you eat less of your main course.

When study participants ate a first course of soup before lunch they reduced their total calorie intake by 20%, compared with those who did not begin the meal with soup.

It is essential to focus on the “healthier” soups.

My choice would be:

Broccoli Cheese Soup

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken broth
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 tablespoon onion
1 cup half & half - fat free
1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
4 ounces cheddar cheese
4 cups broccoli florets - bite-size

Instructions

Combine chicken broth, water, half & half, cheese, flour, onion and pepper in a large saucepan. Whisk to break up any lumps of flour; turn heat to medium/high. Bring soup to a boil; reduce heat to low.
Add broccoli and simmer for 15-20 minutes until broccoli is tender, but not soft.

For each serving spoon one cup of soup into a bowl and garnish with a Tbsp. of shredded cheese and a pinch of parsley.

Note: Garnish with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tsp. minced fresh parsley if desired.