ALANNA'S BUTTNERNUT SQUASH SOUP AND AVOCADO ON WHOLE WHEAT: GRADE B

Posted by Alanna Fincke

Here's what I had for lunch today:

• Butternut Squash Soup
• Whole-Grain Bread with Avocado
• Nectarine

Grade: B

The squash soup probably counts for two servings of veggies—a great start—and the fruit, besides being a good source of vitamins and minerals, contains fiber. The bread is hearty and fiber-rich—the healthiest types of carbs. And, the avocado contains healthy fats. Protein, however, is sorely lacking in this lunch. Some tuna fish or lean chicken would have gotten me an A.

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Comments

[Elizabeth Hyder]

Great! I love BUTTERCUP SQUASH.
RECIPE:SAME AS YOURS; I MAKE,WITH SAUTED ONIONS, AND CHOPPED ZUCHINNI, ALSO ADD ORGANIC CHICKEN BROTH. I FREEZE PORTIONS FOR TWO AND HAVE IT OFTEN FOR LUNCH WITH SALAD. MEANS MORE VEGGIES, AND YES, ADD SOME TUNA OR LEFT-OVER BAKED WILD RED SALMON, MAKES COMPLETE BALANCE.

[Kim]

What would be a good protein rich addition to this lunch if you're a vegetarian?

[Kristen]

I love avocado on toast! It's my weakness so I make sure I don't have any because I will eat them all up.

When I make butternut squash soup, I roast the squash with an onion for 40 mins or so then peel the squash and throw it in a pot with water and blend it all together with some rosemary and thyme. I will have a little piece of cheese on the side for my protein, its yummy!

[Stefanie Schmidt]

I really like the idea of the bread with the avocado to add some protein to fill you up with the soup. I tried this with cucumbers and it was great.

[Body + Soul Editors]

Hi Kim,

A great vegetarian source of protein, not to mention fiber and other nutrients, is beans. So a three-bean side salad that includes black, kidney, and white beans—or whatever you prefer—would add lots of protein and taste yummy, too. Quinoa is another excellent plant source of protein. Its nutty flavor and fluffy texture make it a wonderful base for side salads (you can use it much as you would rice). If you don’t have time to make something, buy a bag of protein-rich nuts—just about any nut will do—and have a handful.

Alanna Fincke,
Editor - Body + Soul