What about protein?

Normally when I want to lose weight or get ready for summer, I switch to a low carb, high protein diet. I've been wondering if the lack of meat would actually make me gain weight. I looked online (where everything is true and unbiased, right?) and feel much better. There is actually quite a bit of protein in beans, nuts, spinach, mushrooms, sprouts, and quinoa! We will just stick with this and see how it goes!

On Saturdays, we try not to do too much work and just have a relaxing day as a family. For lunch we had leftover pizza and other random stuff. For dinner I made tortilla soup, which is easy and I've made many, many times. It's my go-to meal for new moms, so some of you have probably already tried it!

TORTILLA SOUP

1 can diced tomatoes, undrained

bunch green onions

giant handful cilantro

3-4 cloves garlic

1/8 tsp sugar

Blend in a blender, put in a big soup pot

Add:

2 cans or 1 box veg broth

1 8oz can tomato sauce

chili powder (1/2 tsp or so)

1/4 tsp marjoram

1 bay leaf

Simmer 20 minutes

Add:

3 cans beans, drained/rinsed (black, kidney, pinto, etc.)

2 cans drained corn

whatever else you want (carrot, zucchini, chicken, etc.)

Top each bowl with crushed tortilla chips (or you can make your own by cutting up corn tortillas and baking until crispy.) Normally we also add cheese and sour cream, but this time we just added guacamole and it was still really tasty. This soup is best enjoyed with a margarita or three.