Cook some comfort in a bowl

I don't know what the weather is like where you live but in my state, the weather is decidedly chilly. We haven't seen our first snowflakes yet, but the grass is tipped with frost each morning. When the thermometer takes a nose dive, warm and comforting foods are on my family's menu. I make a mean chicken noodle soup as well as a standard vegetable, but I recently tried something new that was a major hit with my son.

I heard about a taco soup, so I ventured forth without a recipe in hand. I made the broth with tomato sauce and organic beef broth. Then I added two cans of rinsed and drained black beans and a can of drained corn. I also added a packet of taco seasoning -- but it would be healthier to use seasonings that aren't as high in sodium. Once the soup was heated through, I ladled it over some crushed blue corn chips and topped it with a little cheese, diced tomatoes, sliced black olives, lettuce, and a little dab of sour cream. It was completely delicious! And other than the indulgences of chips and sour cream, it was quite healthful.

If you're feeling the chill, try out one of these simple soup recipes from Fitness magazine. Or check out Jacki's post on 12 great ways to supplement your soup.