There’s nothing quite like a hearty meal to warm you up during the chilly winter months.
However, when it comes to shedding those extra pounds, many believe they must resort to bland and uninspiring dishes. One woman is here to debunk that myth.
Online fitness coach, Lol Darby, recently took to social media to share her simple yet delicious recipe for a weight-loss-friendly ravioli soup. She was inspired by an Instagram post she saw of the dish, which she thought looked “really nice”, prompting her to try it out herself.
To make it healthier, she created a version with higher protein and fewer calories – using ingredients like red peppers, tomatoes and garlic to add flavour. Then, to give the soup some substance, she includes cottage cheese – even if you’re not a fan, she encourages you to “trust the process”, as its taste becomes undetectable once the soup is blended.
After blending, she reheats the soup and adds in the ravioli. She confessed that it tastes really good, and her followers seemed eager to try the recipe themselves. Many commented that the dish looks “super comforting”, and who could resist a soup that features pasta?
If you’re interested in trying this recipe, here’s everything you need to know.
Recipe
- 1 red pepper
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 150ml passata
- 150ml stock
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic paste
- Sprinkle of basil
- 200g cottage cheese
- Spinich and ricotta ravioli (half a packet)
Method
- Chop the vegetables, and put them all in a pan together with the garlic, basil, salt, pepper, stock and passata.
- Simmer for around 20 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened.
- Blend the soup with the cottage cheese. Once combined, return to the hob to re-heat.
- Cook the ravioli according to the packet instructions.
- Add the pasta to the soup, then pop some extra cheese on top and tuck in!
How many calories do you need a day?
The NHS has highlighted the importance of calorie intake for our bodies to function correctly. It’s crucial to maintain a balanced diet, even when attempting to shed pounds.
To keep your weight steady, you should consume as many calories as your body burns. Any surplus or shortage could result in weight gain or loss.
The NHS suggests an average of 2,500 calories for men and 2,000 for women. However, these are rough guidelines and can vary based on several factors.
Considerations such as age, weight, height and physical activity levels should be taken into account when setting personal goals. Additionally, it’s always wise to seek professional advice before making any significant changes to your diet.