Soup It Up

on February 27, 2012
in All Posts

Tonight, we began our baby class (the Bradley Method – more on the classes later).  Time between work and class was rather tight, so dinner had to be fast and easy. 

 

This calls for soup!

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Soup is the ultimate way to spice up a basic dinner of rice and beans.  Just crack open a can of veggie soup and pour it on top.  I added some steamed kale, too – just for some extra veggies.

 

From fridge to table in less than 10 minutes (I precooked the rice this weekend).  Can’t beat that.

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This meal worked out particularly well because our first baby class was on proper nutrition, which had the effect of making me feel totally stressed out. I know that I eat pretty well for a preggers lady, but because I generally take a pretty chill attitude about all things baby, the nutrition class scared me a bit. (Side note: I’m 100% sure the class was intended to have the opposite effect, and I’m just projecting my fears about actually taking a baby class on the mild nutrition lesson).  Anyway, I was suddenly staring at intake charts and thinking, “Am I getting enough veggies? Protein?! Water?! I’m hurting my baby with my sweet tooth! AHHHH!” 

 

Of course, now I’m munching on French fries.  So apparently, my nutritional freak out was only temporary.

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Emotional and physical balance:  It’s what’s for dinner.

{ 28 comments }

 

  • Katie @ Talk Less, Say More February 27, 2012, 10:22 pm

    Why have i never thought of this before? It’s so simple yet seems so genius!! 🙂

  • Luv What You Do February 27, 2012, 10:24 pm

    I just tried TJ’s Vegan Black Bean soup for the first time and it is fantastic! Check it out!

    I have been making soup here for the last few weeks…it has been all about simple lunches and dinners! Love soup in the winter!

  • Stephanie @ Legally Blinde February 27, 2012, 10:25 pm

    I never thought to use a can of soup on rice and beans – such a great idea! Thanks! And I’m sure the amount of information from the baby classes would be overwhelming to anyone, but you’ve got such a healthy lifestyle and I’m sure you’re doing a great job getting enough nutrition for the baby. I think moderation is better than depriving yourself of foods you crave, anyways!

  • Sana February 27, 2012, 10:28 pm

    Hahah where are the french fries? I could use a pic of those yummies!!!!

  • Amy February 27, 2012, 10:29 pm

    We went to Bradley classes before our first child. Great birth experiences, but the protein requirements were difficult for me to keep up on a daily basis. You are a healthy eater–no worries!

  • Liz @ Tip Top Shape February 27, 2012, 10:55 pm

    What a quick and delicious dinner!! Looks great 😀

  • Carin February 27, 2012, 11:08 pm

    I can totally relate to the french fries! I soooooo needed carbs when I was pregnant – it was all about the bread and potatoes. I did eat all the right stuff as well (honest) but I think that my body just wanted extra fuel for baby-growin’. At our baby class, there was actually a discussion question about eating chips and moderation…. I just decided to stand up for the fries and defend my right to scoff them!

    To put it into perspective, even GOING to classes and THINKING about nutrition is much, much more than most expectant mums do! I don’t think that anybody who is in the least bit interested in healthy eating when non-pregnant or who routinely includes veggies, legumes and fruit in their diet is likely to have a problem.

    Very interested in hearing about the Bradley method as it’s not something that I’ve come across.

    BTW… the most contentious discussion point at out classes (after the french fry debate) was on infant circumcision (of males!) – also v interested to hear about that from a US perspective, as it’s less common here in NZ and very uncommon back home in the UK! Wonder if you’ll tackle (pun intended) that in class?! 🙂

  • Joss February 27, 2012, 11:34 pm

    I’m sure you are doing all things right for the baby in regards to nutrition 🙂

  • Jen in TX February 27, 2012, 11:38 pm

    I loved my Bradley classes (14 years ago!) I found their protein requirements a bit high (I’m vegetarian too), but I still gave birth to a healthy 8 lb boy, so please don’t stress. That baby is now a 5’11” 13-year-old. 🙂

  • Caity @ Gym Rag February 27, 2012, 11:39 pm

    WOW, the veggie soup over rice & beans is brilliant! I will definitely be trying that! Thanks.

  • crystal February 27, 2012, 11:53 pm

    We did Bradley classes with our first and loved them. The protein requirements were easier for me to hit (are you doing the 80-100 grams?) if I wrote everything down on the checklist sheet and kept it on the fridge. Another thing that helped was learning cottage cheese has obscene amounts of protein. I’m 15 weeks with my third right now and I can’t eat meat so we’re going through massive amounts of cottage cheese here.

  • Khushboo Thadani February 28, 2012, 12:18 am

    I think you’re doing better than most people with nutrition :)!

  • Jen February 28, 2012, 12:19 am

    I just recently poured some vegetable soup (with beans) over rice for a quick, yummy & healthy dinner! I have to admit, I was quite pleased with myself, but you get BONUS points for adding extra veggies! 🙂

  • Jen February 28, 2012, 6:20 am

    I love the Bradley Method and recommend it to all my friends. However, our midwives commented that his recommendation of 80-100 grams of protein is a bit high. There are even some reports that it’s too much! Just some “food for thought”. 😉

  • Brittnie (A Joy Renewed) February 28, 2012, 6:57 am

    I enjoy rice and beans all the time and have never thought to mix with some veggie soup. Great tip… thanks.

    I think all pregnant women have a freak out moment from time to time. I know I have over the past 30 weeks. I think at the end of the day what is most important is that you are thinking about your choices and making balanced ones. Doesn’t mean we won’t ever eat french fries or ice cream but means that we are also working to get in those nutritious/power packed foods… which you always seem to do!

  • Kristen@Change of Pace February 28, 2012, 7:17 am

    We tried the Pacific organic tomato basil soup this weekend and it was really good. I haven’t had soup in awhile so I think that was part of the attraction for that particular soup. I normally like hearty soups like veggie or something with noodles. I love the idea of using it as kind of a topping.

  • Amber @ Busy, Bold, Blessed February 28, 2012, 7:54 am

    Yes, so smart! I’m always at a loss for what “sauce” to use on a grain/veggie bowl… I’m too lazy to put something together and this is a great idea!

    I’m pretty sure you eat much better than a good chunk of mamas to be. Keep it up and don’t stress 🙂

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat February 28, 2012, 9:53 am

    I bought two cans of that soup this weekend and can’t wait to try it!

  • Alex @ Raw Recovery February 28, 2012, 10:16 am

    I think french fries have their place in any diet. My favorite is dipping them in bbq sauce. Nothing beats that.

  • Katie February 28, 2012, 10:47 am

    My husband and I are taking Bradley Classes too (we’re on class 8 this week!) and I felt pretty cocky about the nutrition class until I started filling out the worksheet later that week. I was NOT getting enough protein, some days not even close! I’m not a big meat eater (though I do eat it) but some days I don’t have any and others I may have 1 serving throughout the day. I realized I needed to focus on upping my protein intake in other ways. Good luck!

  • Sonia the Mexigarian February 28, 2012, 11:22 am

    Quick question, did you drink alcohol up until you discovered you were pregnant or did you stop altogether before hand (if your were trying)? Curious and wondering if I should stop my usual beer or wine. We’re not trying. It’s more of a ‘it happens it happens’ mentality . . .

  • Sara February 28, 2012, 12:52 pm

    She freaked me out about the nutrition stuff too! I eat pretty healthy, but it was definitely nerve-wracking to hear that not enough protein can cause preterm labor. (Writing this as I guzzle a protein smoothie…)

  • Amber K February 28, 2012, 2:19 pm

    Oh my gosh, I’m going to make such a neurotic pregnant lady! So many things to worry about, so little time.

  • Alicia February 28, 2012, 2:53 pm

    You mention using canned items occasionally and I wondered what your take was on BPA. There are very few canned items without it: http://inspirationgreen.com/bpa-lined-cans.html
    It’s very frustrating that many brands are not more specific about labeling, either. I don’t have a Trader Joe’s near me and when visiting family near one noticed that they do not label the cans.

  • JenRD February 28, 2012, 8:41 pm

    That is one of my favorite TJ’s soups! That, the black bean, and split pea. Yum. Don’t be so hard on yourself about your diet–from what you show on your blog, you are doing an awesome job of eating properly for a growing babe. You start out most days with a calcium-rich, high-fiber, colorful breakfast, and include lots of fruits and veggies, legumes and whole grains throughout the day. And I am saying that as a RD and new mom. Oh, but the mommy guilt never ends–as a new breastfeeding mama, I was questioning everything I ate lest it make my little one uncomfortable with gas! Its only natural to want to do everything you can (in your control) to provide a healthy, safe life for your growing baby. I am always amazed by stories of babies born during times of war & famine, when the moms were literally starving–most of the times the babies got what they needed from their mom.

  • Kate February 28, 2012, 9:00 pm

    We’re also taking the Bradley class, and I haven’t gotten my two eggs in for weeks. Our teacher says that really, protein is the name of the game, so just work on that. Side note: I just had a bowl of Golden Grahams and a brownie. How’s that for a sweet tooth? 🙂 B’s are for balance – and baby!

  • Ali February 29, 2012, 2:42 pm

    My husband and I are taking Bradley classes right now too! We are on week 9 so its getting close to the end and we both love it! I can’t wait to put everything that we have learned to use when I go into labor sometime in April. Good luck!!

  • Dental Consultant March 1, 2012, 3:08 am

    Wow that is awesome! Within 10 minutes you have a soup for your dinner. I will try it also if I will like it. Is Organic Lentil Vegetable Soup also good for children?

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