🥣 Week 3, Day 23: Build a Balanced Soup or Stew

 Welcome to Day 23 of the Balanced Plate Challenge! Yesterday you experimented with cooking methods — today, we’re ladling up comfort. Soups and stews are the perfect way to fit the balanced plate formula into one cozy bowl.

🍲 Why Soups & Stews?

  • One‑pot wonder: Easy prep, minimal cleanup, maximum flavour.

  • Versatile: You can mix veggies, proteins, and grains all in one dish.

  • Hydrating: Broth‑based meals add extra fluid to your day.

  • Evidence‑based: Studies show soups can help with satiety and portion control, supporting healthy eating habits.

🥗 Your Day 23 Task

At your next meal, create a balanced soup or stew:

  • Chicken and vegetable soup with brown rice 🍗🥦🌾

  • Lentil stew with carrots and whole‑grain bread 🥕🍞

  • Minestrone with beans, pasta, and seasonal veggies 🍅🌽

  • Tofu miso soup with spinach and quinoa 🥬🍲

The goal isn’t a Michelin‑star broth — it’s to see how the balanced plate formula translates into a bowl.

😂 A Little Humour

If your soup ends up looking more like “vegetable chaos,” don’t worry. That’s just rustic charm — chefs charge extra for that.

✅ Reflection Prompt

At the end of the day, ask yourself:

  • Did the soup or stew feel satisfying compared to a plate?

  • Was it easier to include all three components?

  • Would I make this a regular comfort meal?