When it comes to tomato soup, the phrase “it’s all in the sauce” likely rings a bell. A few naysayers have twisted the phrase to mean that a particular food is not as healthy as other options. However, those who say a particular food is not healthy have no idea what they’re talking about. That being said, not all tomato soups are created equal. Some are loaded with calories, while others are a healthy alternative. Read on to find out more about the calories in tomato soup, and how you can make a healthy swap to slash the fat and calories in your favorite comfort food.
What is Tomato Soup?
Tomato soup is one of the most popular dishes in America. It is a staple at many family dinners, potlucks, and holiday buffets. You can find it on restaurant menus, in cans on grocery store shelves, and even served on airplanes. To make tomato soup, cooks typically combine tomatoes with some form of liquid like chicken stock or water. They then add spices like pepper and basil to the dish. Tomato soup can also sometimes include heavy cream or butter as a means of adding flavor.
How Many Calories in Tomato Soup?
Many people have been led to believe that tomato soup is healthy because it contains tomatoes. This couldn’t be further from the truth. It turns out, there are many more factors that go into what makes a soup “healthy” or not. What matters most is the ingredients used in the soup and how much of them are used in each serving size. One cup of canned tomato soup ranges from 100-180 calories, depending on which brand you buy.
The average restaurant bowl of tomato soup has about 500 calories. If you want to enjoy a healthy version of this dish, then consider using fresh ingredients and cutting back on how much cheese you add to your bowl. The tomatoes themselves don’t contain any carbs or sugar, but they do contain fiber, which helps make them a filling food without all the added sugars and fat. Of course, if you want some cheese with your tomato soup experience then go ahead and indulge! As long as you use a low-fat cheese like mozzarella or cheddar, it won’t hurt your waistline too much to enjoy the flavor that comes with the favorite comfort food.
Health Benefits of Tomato Soup
Tomato soup is a classic comfort food and has a lot of health benefits. Eating tomato soup can help protect against heart disease, reduce inflammation in the body, and promote better sleep. Drinking tomato soup before bed improves sleep quality and helps you feel more refreshed the following day. Tomato soup is also a great way to get your daily dose of lycopene, which is an antioxidant that helps improve skin elasticity and strengthen bones. It can also help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A cup of tomato soup contains only about 100 calories, making it perfect for low-calorie diets like the ketogenic diet or for those interested in weight loss. In addition to all its health benefits, there are many different ways to make healthier swaps when cooking or ordering tomato soup. You can order it with fewer calories by substituting chicken broth for beef broth or ordering it without heavy cream or cheese toppings. You could also use fresh herbs instead of dried herbs or try adding vegetables to your dish like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms to bulk up on nutrients without packing on calories.
How to Calculate the Calories in a Bowl of Soup?
Calculating the calories in a bowl of soup is easier than you think. In fact, you can calculate the calories in a bowl of tomato soup in two steps: Unfortunately, most people don’t do that. Make a tomato soup with your chosen ingredients. When you eat it, write down how many servings you have and the calories per serving. Then, multiply the calories from the soup by the amount of soup you ate. Your final calorie count will be the number of calories in your bowl of tomato soup.
How to Cut the Calorie in Tomato Soup?
If you’ve ever been on the fence about ordering tomato soup at your favorite restaurant, you might be interested in a few healthy swaps that could help cut the calories in tomato soup. One of the most popular healthy swaps is substituting chicken broth for vegetable or beef broth.
Another option is to swap out cream-based soups for tomato soups made with lighter ingredients like pureed tomatoes, onions, garlic and a little water to thin it out. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try adding some fresh herbs like basil or thyme to give your soup an extra dose of flavor without adding too many calories. The best part about this swap. They don’t compromise taste! You can enjoy the same comforting flavors without all of the guilt.