Hey beautiful soul,
I was curled up on the couch last Sunday watching Dead Poets Society – you know that scene about poetry and romance and finding beauty in simple moments? – when it hit me like a warm hug: Sunday Soup Society.
The words just danced together, and suddenly I could smell it… that nostalgic aroma of soup simmering on the stove, windows fogging up from the steam while crisp fall air nips at the other side of the glass.
There’s something almost sacred about that smell, isn’t there? It transforms a house into a home, chaos into comfort, Sunday afternoon into something that feels like a gentle exhale.
But then reality crept in – that end-of-week feeling we all know too well. You know the one – where you’re staring into your fridge at soft vegetables you didn’t use, bits and pieces of leftover ingredients, random containers of who-knows-what, thinking “I have no food” and mentally planning another grocery store run?
If you’re nodding along, you’re my people. And I have something that’s going to change your Sunday (and your entire week) forever.
Welcome to Sunday Soup Series - Where Food Waste Becomes Weekend Magic
Every Sunday, we’re diving into the beautiful, nourishing world of soup together. Not just any soup – intentionally crafted bowls that transform those forgotten fridge odds and ends into hormone-balancing, gut-loving, energy-boosting meals while saving you money on groceries and time on meal planning.
Because here’s what I know about you, gorgeous: You’re juggling ALL the things. Work, family, that endless mental load that never seems to lighten. Your hormones are doing their own chaotic dance, your energy feels like it’s running on empty by 2pm, and the last thing you need is another complicated meal to figure out.
The WHY Behind Our Sunday Ritual
Food Waste?
Not On Our Watch. Did you know the average family throws away $1,500 worth of food each year? Those soft vegetables and forgotten bits and pieces aren’t just money down the drain – they’re missed opportunities for nourishment.
Time & Money Saving Magic.
One pot of soup = multiple meals. Prep once, eat all week. Math that actually works in our favor for once!
Seasonal Nourishment.
We’re embracing what nature gives us each season, supporting our bodies with exactly what they need when they need it.
Gut & Hormone Harmony.
Every bowl is designed to support your digestive health and hormonal balance – because when your gut is happy, everything else follows.
Your Simple Soup Success Formula
Let me give you the blueprint that takes all the guesswork out of soup-making:
The Perfect Bowl Breakdown:
Protein (20-30g per serving – about 3-4 oz cooked meat/fish, 1 cup legumes, or 2-3 eggs)
Healthy Fats (for hormone production and satisfaction)
Fiber (for gut health and blood sugar balance)
Nutrient Density (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants)
Jamie Oliver’s Flavor Magic (because that man knows his way around a pot!): Jamie always says great soup needs three things: a good base (think onions, garlic, celery), layers of flavor (herbs, spices, maybe a splash of wine), and time to let everything meld together. It’s not complicated – it’s intentional.
The Beautiful Variety Ahead
Over the coming weeks, we’ll explore every soup style imaginable:
Sheet Pan Soups – Roast everything first for deep, caramelized flavors.
Blender Soups – Silky smooth comfort in minutes
Crockpot/Pressure Cooker Magic – Set it and forget it simplicity
Stovetop Classics – The meditative art of stirring and tasting
And so many more variations that will keep your taste buds (and your family) happily surprised
Soup Basics That Boost Your Health
Blue Zone Foods – The Longevity Secret
The world’s longest-living people consistently include these powerhouse foods in their daily meals. Research from the Blue Zones studies shows that incorporating legumes, leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains can significantly impact longevity and health span. We’ll be weaving these into our soups naturally – because who doesn’t want to eat like a centenarian?
Examples: Lentils, chickpeas, white beans, kale, spinach, walnuts, olive oil
Bone Broth vs. Stock – The Foundation That Matters
Here’s where we build our base with intention. Bone broth, simmered low and slow for 12-36 hours, delivers collagen, minerals, and gut-loving amino acids that regular stock simply can’t match. It’s like a warm hug for your intestinal lining and a natural source of glycine for better sleep. Some of my Go-to Bone Broth Recipes include (IMMUNE SUPPORTING TURMERIC BONE BROTH RECIPE) & (MY CONVERT YOUR KITCHEN SCRAPS INTO BROTH RECIPE)
Power-Packed Proteins
Think beyond just meat: wild-caught fish, pastured eggs, hemp hearts, bone broth, legumes, and even tahini can provide the protein your body craves for stable blood sugar and sustained energy.
Medicinal Herbs & Spices (Backed by Science)
Ginger – Your digestive best friend. Research published in the Journal of Gastroenterology shows ginger can improve gastric motility and reduce nausea.
Turmeric – The golden anti-inflammatory warrior. Studies in the Journal of Medicinal Food demonstrate curcumin’s powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Rosemary – More than just aromatic. Research in Phytotherapy Research shows rosemary extract may help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis.
Garlic – Immune system support that tastes incredible. Multiple studies show garlic’s antimicrobial and cardiovascular benefits.
Thyme – Respiratory and digestive support with compounds that have been shown to have antimicrobial properties in Food Microbiology studies.
Your Weekly Ritual Starts Now
Every Sunday, I’ll be sharing a new recipe designed specifically for women like us – real, nourishing, and absolutely doable. Because you deserve meals that support your health without adding stress to your already full plate.
To help you dive in immediately, I’ve created a free ebook with 20 soul-warming soup recipes that you can start making today. These aren’t just recipes – they’re your toolkit for transforming Sunday meal prep from overwhelming to absolutely achievable.
Ready to join our Sunday Soup Society?
Download your free 20 soup recipes below to get started and let’s make this the season you finally have an answer to “What’s for dinner?”
Don’t forget to follow along on social media for daily tips, behind-the-scenes soup magic, and that extra dose of encouragement we all need.
Here’s to nourishing ourselves with the ease we deserve.
Soup, Love, and Sunday magic,
Jo
P.S. – What’s your all-time favorite soup? I’m already planning our recipe lineup and would love to know what makes your heart (and stomach) happy.
Drop me a comment – let’s make this series exactly what you need!
References
- Orlich, M.J., et al. (2013). Vegetarian dietary patterns and mortality in Adventist Health Study 2. JAMA Internal Medicine, 173(13), 1230-1238.
- Buettner, D., & Skemp, S. (2016). Blue zones: lessons from the world’s longest lived. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, 10(5), 318-321.
- Hu, M.L., et al. (2011). Effect of ginger on gastric motility and symptoms of functional dyspepsia. Journal of Gastroenterology, 46(2), 170-177.
- Chainani-Wu, N. (2003). Safety and anti-inflammatory activity of curcumin: a component of turmeric. Journal of Medicinal Food, 6(2), 51-68.
- Mengoni, E.S., et al. (2011). Suppression of COX-2, IL-1β and TNF-α expression and leukocyte infiltration in inflamed skin by topical ointment containing Rosmarinus officinalis L. leaf extract. Phytotherapy Research, 25(12), 1833-1840.
- Rahman, K. (2001). Historical perspective on garlic and cardiovascular disease. Journal of Nutrition, 131(3s), 977S-979S.
- Stahl-Biskup, E., & Sáez, F. (2002). Thyme: the genus Thymus. Food Microbiology, 19(4), 385-392.