Sausage, Red Pepper, and Spinach Soup

Use a few healthy convenience items to make a quick and filling soup

It's the most wonderful time of the year, right? The time of year filled with holiday parties and shopping and trying to get your life in order before the new year begins.

It can be really stressful and cause many people to throw their hands in the air and surrender their healthy habits. Eating out, tossing back a few extra cocktails, and skipping workouts are the norm in December. But they don't have to be!

Don't worry, I'm not going to preach to you about how you need to get an hour of exercise everyday and plan elaborate three course meals complete with salads and tons of veggies.

While that would be wonderful and all, it sounds exhausting just typing it. And it's so totally not realistic.

Instead, let's just focus on getting in a nutritious and satisfying meal that takes you a few minutes to throw together.

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This Sausage, Red Pepper, and Spinach Soup with Quinoa is a great alternative to ordering takeout or grabbing a meal at a local restaurant. It's easy to prepare and takes very little hands on time.

You'll use a few convenience items, like pre-washed lettuce and cooked chicken sausage, to help make this a breeze.

I love keeping big batches of soup in the refrigerator and freezer during busy times of my life because they keep the stress of meal planning to a minimum.

Plus, they are great to help you save money and keep your health in check. In fact, making sure that I eat a wholesome and satisfying lunch before I attend a party that evening is one of my favorite tips for halting the overindulgence of the season.

Yes, I enjoy the food at the party, but I don't stuff my face with tons of junk when I get to the party.

What's my secret?

I eat a filling breakfast (these Egg Muffins are the perfect portable and protein-packed breakfast -- I like to add a piece of toast too. Or I enjoy some protein pancakes) and a satisfying lunch, like this Sausage, Red Pepper, and Spinach Soup with Quinoa, so I'm not starving when I finally get to the party.

Depriving yourself during the day is only going to set you up for making bad decisions later in the day. No matter how good your intentions are, if you are hungry, you are more likely to make a less nourishing choice.

So make a big ole' batch of soup and keep it in your fridge. This also freezes well and can be a life-saver on nights where you have no energy to cook dinner.

You don't have to go hungry to stay healthy during the holidays, and more importantly, you can enjoy nourishing food that is easy, delicious, and satisfying.

**Check out the recipe on My Cooking Spot**