Covid-19 has created so much stress for everyone. We long for hugs and human interaction, and we have actually come to miss school and work. One less expected, but extremely impactful side-effect that we’re finding is a drastic change in the way we are eating and treating our bodies. While some people are becoming chefs at home, others have no motivation to cook at all and are eating far more unhealthy than they did BC (or before Covid, as I say). Some have chosen to stop drinking, while others have become full on, “it’s wine o’clock” from the second they wake up.

(I’m excited to share that I have completely slowed my drinking down, and even went sober for nearly 90 days! And yes, a blog will be coming soon on my favorite mocktails.)

My personal experience during this time has been extreme highs and lows. I was eating out 24-7 in the beginning, due to being chained at the Beauty Kitchen factory filling hand sanitizer orders, and the restaurants were shut down and the grocery stores were empty. The second I decided to create a happy medium for myself and get back to the gym, bam the gyms shut down. Needless to say, between eating out and learning home workouts that I ended up never doing (who does? I tried and maybe did 2 a week lol), I packed on some pounds. I remembered this particular fat burner soup I used to make years ago, and thought it would be the perfect time to bring it back into my routine.

After making it and posting it on my IG story @HeatherMarianna, I got hundreds of requests for the recipe. I decided it would be the perfect thing to share it here with step by step directions. It’s super yummy, lasts a week in the refrigerator, and you can just print the ingredients out and head on over to the store. If you can chop vegetables, you can make this soup.

This simple recipe has made me feel healthier, improved my digestion, and is a great go-to snack at night to replace the Ruffles and ranch that I used to go for. I hope you try it out and add it into your cooking routine. If you do, please tag @AskHeatherMariannaBlog on IG , I really want to see your photos!!!

XOXO,
HM

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Makes 3-4 servings

Ingredients:
-1 head of cabbage
-1 green pepper, chopped
-1 red pepper, chopped
-1 large jalapeno, chopped
-1 tomato, chopped
-1/2  of a white onion, chopped
-lemon juice from 6 lemons
-1 tbsp cayenne pepper

Instructions:
Using a large stew pot,  place vegetables, lemon juice and seasoning into the pot, then fill pot with distilled water to cover ingredients.
Bring to boil, cover pot and let the stew cook on a low boil for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Check out these health benefits of the ingredients in this recipe!

Benefits of Cabbage: Improves digestion and aids in weight loss. Lowers blood pressure and stabilizes mood. Causes feelings of fullness and reduces cravings. Cleanses digestive tract. Full of anti-aging antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Lowers cholesterol, prevents heart disease, improves skin, improves mental health and brain function, and strengthens the immune system

Benefits of Green Pepper: They contain double the vitamin C content of oranges. They are rich in flavonoids and phytochemicals which reduce the formation of blood clots, thereby lowering the risk of stroke and heart attack. The peppers contain vitamin A in the form of carotenoids as well as vitamins B6, B9 and C, all of which are powerful antioxidants. The Phytonutrients in green peppers play an anti-inflammatory role, and provide relief from pain and inflammatory issues from asthma, to rheumatoid arthritis. Green peppers are known to be beneficial for colon health as they are loaded with fiber, as well as vitamins A, C and B9, which significantly reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Benefits of Jalapeño: May aid in weight loss by boosting your metabolism, increasing fat burn and reducing your appetite. Low in calories and full of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. A good source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that fights free radical damage and keeps your skin healthy and firm, and vitamin B6 which is an essential nutrient involved in over 140 bodily reactions.

Benefits of Lemon Juice: A great source of Vitamin C which important for immune function and skin health, as well as Potassium which can lower blood pressure levels and have positive effects on heart health when consumed regularly.

Benefits of Cayenne Pepper: Boosts energy, aids in detoxification processes, improves circulation, and improves heart health. Also used to clear congestion in the sinuses and to treat stomach ulcers. Reduces inflammation in the body, and can reduce pain caused by inflammation.

Benefits of Tomato: Tomatoes are loaded with a substance called lycopene, which can help protect your cells from damage. Also contain potassium, vitamins B and E, as well as other nutrients.

Benefits of White Onion: An excellent source of vitamins C and B6, folate, iron, and potassium. Onions are also rich in manganese that offers protection against cold and flu. Post ingestion, the Allicin produced from onions has properties that have been shown to fight cancer and diabetes. It can also reduce the stiffness of blood vessels and lower blood pressure levels. Onions also contain quercetin, another antioxidant that fights inflammation.