Soup might seem like an unusual topic, but stay with me — there’s more to it than you might think. Soup is more than comfort food — it’s a mindful, nourishing way to support your health and reduce waste.

When we eat mindfully, we give our bodies and minds the chance to truly experience food. It’s about slowing down, savouring flavours and textures, and giving ourselves space to feel nourished. When we eat at a table (not scrolling, working, or multitasking), chew our food properly, and pause between bites, our digestion improves. More importantly, our brain gets time to recognise that we’re eating — which helps us feel full and satisfied rather than overfed.

So how does soup fit into mindful eating?

Homemade soup naturally encourages mindfulness. Think about the way it’s prepared — simmering ingredients gently, combining flavours, and using the very liquid they’ve cooked in as the base. That means none of the nutrients are wasted; they stay right there in your bowl. When you include three key components — bone broth (for minerals), collagen or protein (for repair), and fibre (for fullness) — you create a meal that’s both comforting and deeply nourishing.

Soup also slows us down. You can’t rush a hot spoonful! That extra time allows your gut and brain to communicate, helping you recognise when you’ve had enough.

And beyond nutrition, soup is practical. It’s a wonderful way to use up vegetables that are a little past their best — reducing food waste and helping both your health and the planet.

So, give soup a chance. It might just be the most mindful meal you make this week.

Here are two simple, economical soups to try:

1. Fridge-Clear Vegetable Soup

A perfect way to use up what you already have.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 3–4 cups mixed vegetables (carrot, celery, courgette, leek, sweet potato, etc.)
• 1 tsp mixed herbs or thyme
• 1 litre vegetable or chicken stock
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat oil in a large pot and gently sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the chopped vegetables and herbs, stirring for a few minutes.
3. Pour in the stock and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
4. Blend for a smooth soup or leave chunky for a rustic feel.

(Optional: add a handful of red lentils for extra fibre and protein.)

2. Creamy Tomato and Lentil Soup

Hearty, simple, and full of plant-based goodness.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 can chopped tomatoes
• ¾ cup red lentils (rinsed)
• 1 litre vegetable stock
• 1 tsp smoked paprika or basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a large pan, sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add tomatoes, lentils, stock, and seasoning.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25–30 minutes.
4. Blend until smooth and creamy.

(Optional: stir in a splash of milk, coconut milk, or a spoon of Greek yoghurt before serving.)

A Final Thought

At Greenacres Health, we believe wellbeing begins with small, mindful choices — the kind that nourish both body and mind. Taking time to slow down, cook simply, and eat with awareness can have powerful effects on digestion, energy, and emotional balance.

So this week, ladle up a bowl of homemade soup, breathe deeply, and enjoy every spoonful. Your body will thank you for it.