"Soup-er Health Debate: Chicken vs Tomato Soup - Which Reigns Supreme?"
As January rolls in, National Soup Month brings out the comfort food enthusiasts. But when it comes to which one is actually healthier - chicken soup or tomato soup?
Dietitians Vandana Sheth and Michelle Routhenstein weigh in on this heated debate. Both agree that nutritional profiles vary greatly depending on ingredients and preparation methods.
Sheth, a plant-based dietitian and diabetes expert, recommends choosing homemade or minimally processed options with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and fiber-rich components. For chicken soup, she suggests opting for broth-based versions with lean chicken and plenty of veggies; in contrast, tomato soup should be rich in lycopene, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
Routhenstein takes a similar stance but highlights the importance of sodium content. She advises checking labels for sodium under 500 milligrams per serving when buying premade chicken soup. For homemade versions, she advocates for lean chicken, vegetables, and light broth to make it a nutrient-rich option.
One thing is clear: both soups can be part of a healthy diet if chosen carefully. While chicken soup offers a protein boost, Sheth notes that tomato soup provides antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
To make the most out of either soup, it's crucial to keep sodium levels in check and opt for lower-sugar versions or homemade alternatives. With these tips in mind, the great soup debate comes down to which option is better: chicken or tomato? The verdict? It depends on your priorities - but both are winners when made with care.
As January rolls in, National Soup Month brings out the comfort food enthusiasts. But when it comes to which one is actually healthier - chicken soup or tomato soup?
Dietitians Vandana Sheth and Michelle Routhenstein weigh in on this heated debate. Both agree that nutritional profiles vary greatly depending on ingredients and preparation methods.
Sheth, a plant-based dietitian and diabetes expert, recommends choosing homemade or minimally processed options with fresh vegetables, lean protein, and fiber-rich components. For chicken soup, she suggests opting for broth-based versions with lean chicken and plenty of veggies; in contrast, tomato soup should be rich in lycopene, vitamins A and C, and potassium.
Routhenstein takes a similar stance but highlights the importance of sodium content. She advises checking labels for sodium under 500 milligrams per serving when buying premade chicken soup. For homemade versions, she advocates for lean chicken, vegetables, and light broth to make it a nutrient-rich option.
One thing is clear: both soups can be part of a healthy diet if chosen carefully. While chicken soup offers a protein boost, Sheth notes that tomato soup provides antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
To make the most out of either soup, it's crucial to keep sodium levels in check and opt for lower-sugar versions or homemade alternatives. With these tips in mind, the great soup debate comes down to which option is better: chicken or tomato? The verdict? It depends on your priorities - but both are winners when made with care.
. Like, can't we just enjoy a warm bowl of goodness regardless of which one it is? But for real, if you're gonna choose, I'd say go for the homemade stuff - it's like, way more fun to experiment with flavors and add your own love vibes to it 
. And let's be real, who doesn't need a protein boost after a long day? But at the same time, tomato soup has those awesome antioxidants that can help keep you healthy and happy - so win-win! 
. But at the same time, my mom's tomato soup recipe with fresh veggies and lean turkey is super healthy too! 
Maybe instead of arguing which one is better, we should just agree that both can be part of a balanced diet if we make them ourselves? Plus, have you guys tried making a creamy tomato soup with coconut milk? Game. Changer. 
I think it's awesome that dietitians are weighing in on this debate! 
For me, the real winner here is making soup at home with fresh ingredients 
. That way, you can control the amount of sodium and sugar that goes into it 
. Chicken or tomato, it's all good if you do it right! 
I'm all about that homemade soup life! For me, it's not just about choosing between chicken and tomato soup, it's about using fresh veggies and lean protein to make a nutritious bowl. I mean, have you seen the sodium content in some store-bought soups? 
No thanks! My fave is when my mom makes her famous homemade chicken noodle soup with loads of carrots and celery - it's like a hug in a bowl 
Now, I see what the dietitians are saying - using fresh veggies and lean protein is key. But you know what? My grandma used to say that chicken soup had healing properties or something like that... 
. If you need a protein boost, chicken soup might be the way to go. But if you want an antioxidant-packed soup that'll support your immune system, tomato soup is a great option too! 
. And don't even get me started on the sodium levels - 500 milligrams is still way too high if you ask me 
. As for the homemade options, sure, go for it... but let's be real, how many of us are actually whipping up our own soups from scratch every week? 
.
I swear, sometimes I feel like no one is allowed to enjoy a simple meal anymore... 
. The fact that lycopene in tomato soup might have some anti-inflammatory benefits is definitely a pro point... but on the flip side, chicken soup does offer a decent protein boost 
My grandma would always make me a big pot of chicken soup when I was sick, and it'd knock out the cold in no time... I guess nowadays it's all about balance, huh? Do people really need to be told which one is healthier? Can't we just enjoy our soup without overthinking it? 
And don't even get me started on the benefits of lycopene in tomato soup... my immune system is forever grateful!