Are you a fan of Chicken Noodle Soup? Did you know that one serving (100 g) contains just 110 calories? That’s right, your favorite comfort food can also be healthy!
In addition to being low in calories, Chicken Noodle Soup also provides a good amount of protein and fiber. Plus, it’s packed with vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions which add vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we'll explore the calorie content, health benefits, and how to make this soup at home. We'll also discuss ways to reduce calories and alternatives to traditional Chicken Noodle Soup.
What is in Chicken Noodle Soup?
Traditional Chicken Noodle Soup is made with chicken broth, egg noodles, carrots, celery, onions, and chicken meat. Additional ingredients can include garlic, thyme, and parsley. Canned Chicken Noodle Soup can contain different levels of sodium, depending on the brand and additives. Some canned soups can have more than 900 mg per serving, while others offer lower sodium options. To make homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, all you need is some chicken broth or stock as a base, vegetables, noodles, and herbs for seasoning.
Calorie content of Chicken Noodle Soup
As previously mentioned, one serving (100 g) of Chicken Noodle Soup contains around 110 calories. The calorie content can vary depending on the brand and recipe. To reduce calories, choose low-fat chicken broth and whole wheat noodles instead of regular pasta. These substitutions can help reduce the overall calorie content in Chicken Noodle Soup.
Is Chicken Noodle Soup healthy?
Yes, Chicken Noodle Soup can be a healthy choice, especially when made with wholesome ingredients. It is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken Noodle Soup can also help keep you hydrated and may provide relief from cold and flu symptoms. Some studies suggest that the soup's ingredients may have anti-inflammatory properties as well.
How to reduce Chicken Noodle Soup calories
To reduce calories in Chicken Noodle Soup, try using low-fat chicken broth, whole wheat noodles, and avoiding added fats such as butter or cream. Another tip is to use more vegetables such as green beans, peppers, or zucchini to bulk up the soup and make it more filling without adding extra calories.
What are the benefits of Chicken Noodle Soup?
Besides being a comforting food, Chicken Noodle Soup has several health benefits due to its ingredients. The chicken can provide protein and nutrients such as zinc and selenium. Carrots offer vitamins A and K, while celery contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Onions can aid in digestion and have anti-microbial properties as well.
Can Chicken Noodle Soup help with weight-loss?
While Chicken Noodle Soup alone is not a magic weight-loss food, it can be part of a healthy, balanced diet. Its low calorie content and high fiber and protein content can help you feel full and satisfied while consuming fewer calories overall. However, it’s important to choose low-fat and low-sodium options and avoid added fats and calories such as cream or butter.
How to make Chicken Noodle Soup at home
Making Chicken Noodle Soup at home is easy and can be customized according to your preferences. All you need is some chicken broth, vegetables, noodles, and herbs. Here is a basic recipe: Ingredients: 8 cups chicken broth, 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, 1 onion, 2-3 carrots, 2-3 celery stalks, 2 cloves garlic, 2 sprigs thyme, 1 bay leaf, 8 oz. egg noodles.
Nutritional value of Chicken Noodle Soup
One serving (100 g) of Chicken Noodle Soup typically contains the following nutrients:
- calories: 110
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 690 mg
Keep in mind that this nutritional information can vary depending on the brand and recipe used.
Serving size of Chicken Noodle Soup
A typical serving size of Chicken Noodle Soup is around 1 cup (240 ml) or 245 g. One can of soup usually contains 2-2.5 servings. It’s important to look at the serving size and nutrient content on the label to determine how much soup you should consume based on your dietary needs and goals.
Alternatives to Chicken Noodle Soup
If you’re looking for alternatives to traditional Chicken Noodle Soup, try experimenting with different ingredients and flavor combinations. Here are a few suggestions:
- Vegan or vegetarian soups made with vegetable broth and tofu or legumes
- Spicy soups with added chilies or hot sauce
- Creamy soups made with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt instead of cream
"Chicken Noodle Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl."
Frequently Asked Questions about 100g of Chicken Noodle Soup
1. Is 100g of Chicken Noodle Soup considered a low-calorie meal?
Yes, 100g of Chicken Noodle Soup contains only 110 calories, making it a low-calorie meal option.
2. Is Chicken Noodle Soup a healthy food choice?
Yes, Chicken Noodle Soup is a healthy food choice as it contains plenty of protein, carbohydrates, and other essential nutrients. Additionally, it is easy to digest and can help provide relief from cold or flu symptoms.
3. How can I make Chicken Noodle Soup more filling?
You can add ingredients like beans, vegetables, or chicken to your Chicken Noodle Soup to make it more filling. Additionally, you can add more noodles or serve it with a slice of whole-grain bread.
4. Is it better to make Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch or buy it ready-made?
Making Chicken Noodle Soup from scratch is always the healthier choice as you can control the ingredients that go into it. However, if you don't have the time or the ingredients to make it from scratch, buying it ready-made is a good option, provided that you check the label for the ingredients and nutritional information.
5. Can Chicken Noodle Soup help me lose weight?
While Chicken Noodle Soup is low in calories, it should not be considered a magic weight-loss food. It can, however, be included in a balanced diet that is conducive to weight loss. It is also a good option for satisfying hunger pangs without consuming excessive calories.