Are you trying to watch your calorie intake while still enjoying hearty and flavorful soups? One container of Zesty Tortellini Soup provides approximately 190 calories in a 298 g serving size. Let's take a closer look at the nutrition facts and make informed choices to meet our dietary goals.
In addition to calories, Zesty Tortellini Soup contains a decent amount of protein and carbohydrates, moderate sodium, and negligible amounts of fat and cholesterol. On the other hand, it is not high in fiber, which may affect your digestive health. Here is the complete nutritional profile:
Overall, Zesty Tortellini Soup can be a useful addition to your diet, especially if you pair it with other nutrient-dense foods. However, if you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences, it's always a good idea to consult with a registered dietitian or your healthcare provider before making significant changes to your eating habits.
Calories in Zesty Tortellini Soup
As mentioned earlier, one container of Zesty Tortellini Soup provides approximately 190 calories in a serving size of 298 g. This calorie count may vary slightly depending on the brand or recipe used, but it generally falls within the 150-250 calorie range for a typical soup serving. To put this into perspective, 190 calories is equivalent to about one medium apple, one small baked potato, or half a cup of cooked brown rice. It's also approximately 10% of the recommended daily intake for an adult with a sedentary lifestyle, assuming a 2000 calorie diet. Therefore, if you are trying to lose weight, maintain your weight or eat more mindfully, it may be helpful to track your calorie intake and adjust your portion sizes accordingly. Keep in mind that intuitive eating and hunger-fullness cues are also essential for long-term health and satisfaction.
Protein in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps build and repair tissues, support immune function, and maintain fluid balance. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains approximately 11 grams of protein per serving, which is about 22% of the Daily Value (DV). This protein content is relatively modest compared to other protein-rich foods like meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, or tofu. However, it can still contribute to meeting your daily protein needs if combined with other protein sources throughout the day. For example, you can pair Zesty Tortellini Soup with a side salad, a slice of whole-grain bread, or some roasted vegetables for added fiber, vitamins, and minerals. You can also experiment with different toppings or seasonings, such as grated parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs.
Fat in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Fat is a concentrated source of energy that provides essential fatty acids for cell growth, hormone production, and brain function. However, excessive intake of saturated and trans fats can raise blood cholesterol levels and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains only 4 grams of fat per serving, which is about 6% of the DV. Most of this fat comes from the small amount of cheese or cream used in the recipe, as well as from the pasta dough itself. Therefore, this soup can be considered a relatively low-fat option compared to other cream-based soups or dishes. If you want to further reduce the fat content of Zesty Tortellini Soup, you can try using low-fat cheese or milk, or omitting the cheese altogether. You can also add some non-starchy vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers to boost the fiber and vitamin content.
Carbohydrates in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body and brain. They can be divided into simple carbohydrates, such as sugars, and complex carbohydrates, such as starches and fibers. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains approximately 29 grams of carbohydrates per serving, which is about 10% of the DV. Most of these carbohydrates come from the pasta and tomatoes used in the recipe, as well as from the small amount of sugar or honey used for sweetness. There is also some dietary fiber in the soup, although not a significant amount (about 2 grams per serving). If you are trying to limit your carbohydrate intake, you may want to be mindful of your portion size and choose other lower-carb foods to accompany your soup. For example, you can replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash, or add some protein and fat to slow down the digestion of carbohydrates and avoid blood sugar spikes.
Fiber in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate that the body cannot digest or absorb. It plays various roles in maintaining digestive health, regulating blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and promoting satiety and weight management. However, most Americans do not consume enough fiber in their diet. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains only 2 grams of fiber per serving, which is about 7% of the Daily Value (DV). This fiber comes primarily from the tomatoes and spinach used in the recipe. Therefore, if you want to increase your fiber intake, you may want to augment your soup with fiber-rich foods like beans, lentils, whole-grain bread, or fruit. Keep in mind that increasing your fiber intake too quickly or without enough water can cause gastrointestinal discomfort or constipation. Therefore, it's recommended to gradually increase your fiber intake and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Sugar in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Sugar is a type of simple carbohydrate that can provide quick energy but also contribute to tooth decay, obesity, and other health problems if consumed in excess. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains approximately 7 grams of sugar per serving, which is about 2 teaspoons. This sugar comes mostly from the tomatoes, as well as from the small amount of honey or sugar used in the recipe. Although 7 grams of sugar is not a significant amount compared to many sweetened beverages or desserts, it can still add up if you consume multiple servings or other high-sugar foods throughout the day. Therefore, it's recommended to be mindful of your total sugar intake and choose unsweetened or low-sugar alternatives whenever possible. You can also experiment with using natural sweeteners like cinnamon, vanilla, or fruit in your recipes.
Sodium in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Sodium is an essential mineral that helps regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contraction. However, excessive sodium intake can increase blood pressure and the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems, especially in people with hypertension or kidney disease. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains approximately 880 milligrams of sodium per serving, which is about 38% of the Daily Value (DV). This sodium comes mostly from the pasta and broth used in the recipe, as well as from the spices and herbs. Therefore, if you are on a low-sodium diet or want to reduce your sodium intake, you may want to choose a different soup or make your own with lower-sodium ingredients. You can also try diluting the soup with water or unsalted broth, or adding more potassium-rich foods like leafy greens, avocados, or bananas, which can help counteract the effects of sodium on blood pressure.
Cholesterol in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that is found in animal-based foods and can build up in the arteries and lead to heart disease over time. However, dietary cholesterol does not affect blood cholesterol levels as much as saturated and trans fats. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains approximately 30 milligrams of cholesterol per serving, which is about 10% of the Daily Value (DV). This cholesterol comes mostly from the cheese and cream used in the recipe, as well as from the egg-based pasta. Therefore, if you are on a low-cholesterol or heart-healthy diet, you may want to limit your intake of high-cholesterol foods like cheese, butter, cream, or egg yolks. You can also try using low-fat or non-dairy alternatives, such as almond milk or tofu, and choosing leaner sources of protein and fat to reduce your overall saturated and trans fat intake.
Vitamins in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Vitamins are organic compounds that the body needs in small amounts to perform various functions, such as building bones, producing energy, and supporting immunity. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains various vitamins, although not a significant amount of any one in particular. For example, one serving of Zesty Tortellini Soup provides about 8% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin A, 4% for vitamin C, and 2% for vitamin K, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, and vitamin B12. These vitamins come mostly from the tomatoes, spinach, and broth used in the recipe, as well as from the pasta dough and cheese. Therefore, if you want to boost your vitamin intake, you may want to complement your soup with vitamin-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, or fortified products. You can also try using different herbs and spices to add flavor and nutrition to your meals.
Minerals in Zesty Tortellini Soup
Minerals are inorganic substances that the body needs in small amounts to perform various functions, such as building bones, carrying oxygen, and regulating fluid balance. Zesty Tortellini Soup contains various minerals, although not a significant amount of any one in particular. For example, one serving of Zesty Tortellini Soup provides about 14% of the Daily Value (DV) for calcium, 8% for iron, and 6% for potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. These minerals come mostly from the cheese, spinach, and broth used in the recipe, as well as from the pasta dough and tomatoes. Therefore, if you want to enhance your mineral intake, you may want to pair your soup with mineral-rich foods like dairy products, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, or meat. You can also experiment with different cooking methods or types of salt to optimize your mineral absorption.
Eating soup for weight loss can be a great way to get full without consuming a lot of calories. However, it is important to choose soups that are low in calorie density and high in fiber and protein to keep you satiated for longer. Zesty Tortellini Soup can be a nutritious and delicious addition to your weight loss or weight maintenance diet, especially if you pair it with some veggies or lean protein.
Frequently Asked Questions about Zesty Tortellini Soup
1. What are the ingredients in Zesty Tortellini Soup?
Zesty Tortellini Soup typically contains cheese tortellini, tomatoes, spinach, chicken broth, carrot, celery, onion, garlic, and spices.
2. Is Zesty Tortellini Soup a healthy option?
With only 190 calories per serving, Zesty Tortellini Soup can be a healthy option when combined with a balanced diet. It is also a good source of protein and vitamins.
3. How do I prepare Zesty Tortellini Soup?
Zesty Tortellini Soup can be prepared by heating it in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes or by heating it on the stove until it reaches a simmer. Once heated, the soup can be garnished with fresh herbs or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
4. Is Zesty Tortellini Soup gluten-free?
Unfortunately, most Zesty Tortellini Soup recipes include pasta made with wheat flour, which contains gluten. If you are looking for a gluten-free alternative, try making the soup with gluten-free pasta or using a vegetable or meat-based substitute.
5. Can I freeze Zesty Tortellini Soup?
Yes, Zesty Tortellini Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, simply thaw the soup in the fridge overnight and then heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.