The addition of a can of kidney beans adds fiber and protein which helps with feeling fuller for a longer period of time. You can add or subtract vegetables to your taste. The benefit of this soup is that it tastes great and it really does help you lose
2 cans chicken broth- use vegetable broth if you are a vegetarian, and you may also use low-sodium
3 cu. V-8 juice -you can use low-sodium V8 or even tomato juice, homemade or store bought
2 cans Italian diced tomatoes
1 small onion
2 cloves minced garlic
1 pkg. sliced mushrooms
3 carrots, peeled and sliced
1 zucchini, diced
1 yellow squash, diced
2 cu. fresh or frozen green beans
1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
3-4 cu. shredded cabbage
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt and Pepper to taste
In a large frying pan sprayed with cooking spray, sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and mushrooms for about 5 minutes.
In a large crockpot, combine sautéed garlic and vegetables with the remaining ingredients. Cook on high for 2-3 hours, or until vegetables are cooked.
This makes a large batch of soup. If you would like to freeze portions of it to use later, undercook the vegetables just a little. Pour the soup into freezer Ziplock bags and let as much air out as you can. Lay the bags flat on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once the soup is frozen flat, it is easy to layer in your freezer and won't take up much room. To thaw, place the bag in the fridge for 24 hours and then reheat.