Looking for a healthy, low-calorie meal you can prep ahead? This weight loss soup is packed with fresh vegetables and great for enjoying several days in a row. It’s flavorful, easy to make in a slow cooker, and stores well for busy weeks.
This is a light, vegetable-forward soup intended to be low in calories. While I’m not a nutritionist, I love how simple and satisfying this recipe is. It simmers all day in the slow cooker, so it’s ideal for long workdays when you want a ready-to-eat, nutritious meal waiting when you get home. Below you’ll find ingredient notes, variations, easy step-by-step instructions, and ideas to keep the soup interesting through the week.
Key Ingredients
This “peel a pound” slow cooker soup is made from scratch with everyday produce. The full ingredient list and amounts are in the recipe card below.
The base of this Slow Cooker Weight Loss Soup is simple, fresh vegetables: celery, carrots, leeks, green beans, cabbage, and zucchini. Italian diced tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of seasonings enrich the broth, and chicken broth provides depth of flavor (vegetable broth can be substituted). Zucchini is added at the end so it stays tender instead of turning mushy.
Variations
Make this soup your own with these easy swaps and additions:
- Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, though chicken broth adds extra savory flavor.
- Add or swap vegetables to suit your taste: spinach, kale, bell peppers, mushrooms, cauliflower, broccoli, or diced sweet potatoes all work well.
- For extra protein, add chicken breasts, cooked ground beef, or ground turkey at the start. Canned or cooked beans (cannellini or navy beans) are a great vegetarian protein boost.
- Frozen vegetables are convenient and can be used if fresh produce isn’t available.
- Because the slow cooker holds a full pot, keep additions moderate so the soup still cooks evenly.
How to make Weight Loss Soup
Step One: Add the leeks, celery, green beans, carrots, garlic, and canned diced tomatoes to the slow cooker. (Reserve the zucchini to add later.)
Step Two: Add the chopped cabbage and seasonings, then pour in the chicken broth and give everything a stir.
Step Three: Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 8 hours. After the eight hours are up, add the thinly sliced zucchini.
Step Four: Cook for 30 minutes longer on HIGH, then stir and serve.
How to make weight loss soup less boring:
If you plan to eat this soup all week, try these simple ideas to vary the flavor and texture:
- Add a few dashes of hot sauce (Tabasco, Tapatio, or your favorite) for heat.
- Stir in leftover rice or quinoa to make it more filling.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan over individual bowls for a savory kick without adding many calories.
- Serve with saltine or oyster crackers on the side for crunch.
- Mix in a small spoonful of pesto for a bright, herby flavor twist.
Featured Comment
“Excellent soup! I made it with cannellini beans. Thank you for the recipe!”
– Mariann
Weight Loss Soup
How to Video
Equipment
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Slow cooker (6 quart or larger recommended)
Ingredients
- 3 celery ribs, sliced (about 2 cups)
- 3–4 carrots, sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 large leek, diced (about 2 cups)
- ½ lb. green beans, trimmed and halved (about 2 cups)
- 14.5 oz. can Italian diced tomatoes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 7 cups chopped cabbage (1-inch pieces; about ½ head)
- 2 tsp. Italian herb seasoning
- 1 tsp. curry powder
- 1½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper
- 64 oz. chicken broth (two 32-oz. cartons)
WAIT TO ADD
- 2 small zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
Instructions
- Add all the vegetables, canned tomatoes, and seasonings to the slow cooker. (Wait to add the zucchini.)
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Place the lid on and cook on LOW for 8 hours.
- When the cooking time is up, add the sliced zucchini and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes more.
- Stir, serve, and enjoy.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is auto-generated and is an estimate. If you follow a specific diet, use your own calculations.
More Soup Recipes:
Slow Cooker Zuppa Toscana — loaded with sausage, potatoes, and kale for comforting flavor.
Crack Potato Soup — cheesy, bacon-studded, and seriously addictive.
Slow Cooker Vegetable Soup — an easy, hearty mix of seasonal vegetables.
Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Soup — a satisfying, protein-rich option for busy weeknights.
Kielbasa Potato Soup — smoky sausage and tender potatoes make a cozy, robust meal.