Vegetable Soup - Sugar free

Now that we are one month into the new year, chances are you've fallen off your well intentioned diet plan and are searching for motivation to re-start your efforts. Even after a complete sugar cleanse a couple of weeks ago (seven days without any forms of sugar, including grains, milk products, fruit, and anything processed), the last few gloomy winter days have stolen my motivation and sent me crawling back to my comfort foods. I'm not going to lie, last night we ordered pizza - full fat, full sugar, white-bread PIZZA!

As you can imagine, our little splurge tasted fabulous, but when your body knows different, all those refined sugars sure aren't accepted into your system very peacefully. Long story short - that pizza cost a lot more than the debit on my bank account! Today's menu is a much cleaner one: 

Vegetable Soup - Sugar free, Vegetarian

1 med yellow onion, chopped

1 Tbs. extra virgin olive oil

3 cloves garlic, crushed

1 can Cannellini beans, drained and rinsed

3 cans crushed tomatoes

3 handfuls chopped Carrots (I know, "handfuls" are very scientific measurements!)

2 handfuls chopped Broccoli

2 handfuls chopped Spinach

1 small Zucchini, chopped

2 stalks Celery, chopped

In large stock pot, cook onion in extra virgin olive oil until clear. Add Remaining ingredients and cook until carrots are tender. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot.

Option: add 1/2 lb ground turkey to add a little bit of protein and savor.