affordable – newtritionsavvysarah

Back to the grind! I started 3 science classes last week, two of which involve labs. What does that mean? Time is of the essence. I know what it’s like to be busy, but I still will not compromise my healthy habits simply because I am busy. The grocery store is my “BFF” and they pretty much see me everyday! When I don’t have time to prepare, I drop by Whole Foods and pick up a lunch snack of some sort. This is much better than starving or choosing a less healthier option provided at school/ work or not being provided at all. I cant tell you How many times I forget what I do or don’t eat when my days are filled. This is important, you NEED to eat. Your body needs energy. What’s the key to success? Plan ahead! Remember, if you don’t buy it, you are less likely to eat it!

{Take seeds out}

{Remove Skin}

{Freshly Made Vegetable Stalk}

{Butternut Squash Soup}

I finally got around to making this soup from scratch. If your not a big fan of cooking- I think soups are probably easier than whipping up anything in the kitchen…especially this one. Fall means everything squash is in season, so why not make some delicious Butternut Squash Soup. This is very affordable (Squash was $1 I think @ Famers Market.)

What you will need:

1 Butternut sqaush (Makes enough for about 5 people)
Veggie or Chicken Stalk ( I made my own veggie stalk)
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
Nutmeg (1 teaspoon)
Honey/Agave (1.5 tablesppon)
Heavy Whipping Cream (Optional)
Salt ( To taste)
Parsley (Garnish)

Cut squash in half/ take seeds out. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Start by baking the squash at 400 degrees on cookie sheet for about 1 hour (or until squash is soft.) Once squash is soft, you can either scoop out of the skin, or cut skin off. Place squash in blender or food processor w/about 3 cups of veggie or chicken stalk to get a pureed consitancy. Take out of blender and place in pot on med/high heat (you want a small boil.) If consitancy is too thick you can slowly add more stalk. Add salt, agave or honey, nutmeg, cinnamon and heavy cream (optional- I used only 1/2 cup bc my tummy doesn’t like cream based soups). If the soup is too sweet you can always add a few red pepper flakes to add a kick.

*I am not a fan of store bought veggie stalk so I made my own. I baked the squash for about 30 minutes to get soft, so when I cut the skin off it wouldn’t be so hard. I then placed sqaush in a large pot with water, carrots,celary, garlic, white onion, zuchini and let boil until veggies can’t cook any longer. From this I took the squash out of broth- while draining the broth and throwing the boiled veggies out. If you don’t use all of it, just throw in the freezer in a plastic bag and you can use at a later date.

This soup is SO good, and I’m not just saying that because I made it! Hope you enjoy…