Recipes for Recovery 11: Stomach Soothing Soup

ED recovery is tough! Not only mentally, but also on our physical bodies. Gastro-intestinal upset is incredibly common in eating disorder recovery because our bodies are re-learning how to properly tolerate and digest foods. This often results in bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. And as abnormal as it ​feels​ it is normal in parts of the treatment and recovery journey! However, it can be difficult to manage and sometimes even painful. Since we know that skipping meals is never an option, it is important to think about a meal that not only meets your nutritional needs, but is gentle on your stomach and easy to digest. This is just the remedy for days that our stomachs need a bit of digestive break.

Look no further! This creamy pumpkin soup is easy to digest and even easier to make. It includes coconut milk in lieu of dairy, which is notoriously hard to digest with an eating disorder (don’t worry this usually gets better over time!) It also contains pumpkin puree, which is much easier to digest than whole vegetables. This soup is also free of beans and whole grains, which are high in fiber. Foods that are high in fiber can further contribute to gas, bloating, and diarrhea. I suggest avoiding these foods for a while if you are struggling with these GI symptoms. Make this soup part of a complete meal by pairing it with some simple toasted white bread with a sliced hard boiled egg. Full recipe below. Enjoy!

Curry Pumpkin Soup

curry-pumpkin-soup.jpg

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 2 cans 100% pumpkin puree

  • 2 cups vegetable stock

  • 1 can coconut milk

  • 1 tsp sea salt

  • 1 tbsp curry powder

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and add onion and garlic. Cook for about 3-5 minutes, until onions become translucent.

  2. Carefully stir in the pumpkin, vegetable stock, coconut milk, salt, and curry powder.

  3. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and simmer for about 20 minutes, until the soup has reduced and thickened slightly.

  4. Puree with an immersion or standard blender until very smooth.

  5. Enjoy!