Vegan Broccoli Cheddar Soup

It’s a feels like of at least 90 degrees every single day, so why I’m craving soup I can’t particularly say. I think my digestion wants something super easy after all the long runs…which meant it was time once again to head to Pinterest and find a solution {are we friends there yet?}.

My requirements for a meal are always LOTS OF VEGGIES, thus a lot of soups just didn’t quite fit the bill for me. Finally, I found a recipe from HelynsHealthyKitchen that looked easy enough! For once I didn’t need to modify the recipe at all, so check her out for all the details. I made a large batch before our Jacksonville Beach trip, then froze some which meant I will have it ready to pull out instead of a can of soup!

CASHEWS
In the beginning of my weight loss journey I would have balked at a soup that started with a base of cashews due to their high calorie and fat content. However, now I know how wonderful fat is for us and that our bodies seem to actually pass through much of the fat from nuts. {thank goodness based on my nut butter consumption}.

NURTITIONAL YEAST
Those like me who have found that dairy causes digestive issues may be wondering how to get that flavor. I’ve already talked about using alternative cheeses, but an even more natural way is combining cashews with nutritional yeast. OR I like to use it on it’s own with my southwestern salads. Here’s a few more benefits:

• Good source of B12 for vegans
• 2 TBSP has 9 grams of protein
• Gluten free
• High in fiber
• Source of folic acid

VITAMIX
Since I’ve gotten a lot of questions about blenders lately, yes I do use a VitaMix. It has been one of the best purchases for our kitchen. David uses it all the time for fruit smoothies, it allows me to blend weird things like broccoli in my green smoothies and now of course to blend nuts! You can get free shipping on Amazon or look to see if they are doing a demo in your area and you can usually save another $50.

Vegan Eggless Egg Salad
One more recipe I have to share!! After I got past the soup kick, I was looking for another meat free high protein meal and came across this “Egg” Salad from Happy Herbivore. I like using tofu occassionally, but can’t always get the flavor I want. This recipe however was crazy easy and the flavor was right on! I tossed in some peas we had because well I liked it! Then served with sliced avocado.
I’m on a soup kick, so let me know what other great one’s you recommend…remember my requirements: TONS of veggies, no dairy or gluten.
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Gratitude Journal
Aug 27
I am grateful for an opening with my new favorite massage therapist! Hoping the leg is ready to go today.