Minestrone Soup (Home Recipe) (1 Cup)

Use a smaller bowl and avoid second servings; bulk the soup with extra non-starchy vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, cabbage, green beans, or mushrooms.

Reduce or omit potatoes and regular pasta in the recipe; use a modest amount of barley, lentils, or beans instead.

Pair the soup with protein, such as chicken, fish, tofu, eggs, or plain Greek yogurt, rather than bread or crackers.

If using beans, keep them in the soup and avoid blending them smooth; intact beans tend to produce a gentler rise than pureed ingredients.

Skip bread, croutons, and sweet drinks with the meal; choose water or unsweetened tea instead.

Eat the soup slowly and take a 10–20 minute easy walk after the meal if appropriate for you.