Just CHILL...

So if you've been reading along this past winter, you know how I just adore SOUPS! They are filling, nutritious and pack full of vitamins, AND easy! Don't we all LOVE easy? Whether canned, homemade or hot from your grocer's deli aisle, you can't go wrong with soup when it comes to weight loss and fitness! It's virtually a lowfat, low calorie powerhouse! (of course eating lobster bisque everyday will not aid in weight loss, but ok, every once in a while, you know what I mean ;)
Now I certainly don't mind a hot soup on a spring or summer day, BUT with the weather change, chilled soups are where it's at!! So yummmmmmmmmy! Sooooooooo refreshing! And if you have a blender, SO EASY to put together in seconds! I have tons of chilled soups to share with you this season but let's start with a B-FIT4U favorite!

CHILLED CUCUMBER AND MINT SOUP
 (courtesy of Martha Stewart)

Ingredients

• 4 cucumbers, peeled and seeded
• 1 small or 1/2 large clove garlic
• 1 cup plain yogurt, low-fat if desired
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, plus more to taste
• 1/4 cup water
• 4 scallions, white and green parts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3/4 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

1. Cut 1 cucumber into small dice, and set aside for garnish. Cut others into large chunks. Combine cucumber chunks, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, and water in a blender, and puree until smooth.
2. Add scallions and mint leaves, reserving some of the mint for garnish, and puree briefly. Season with salt and pepper, and add more lemon juice if a tarter flavor is desired.
3. Chill until ready to serve. Stir well before serving, and ladle into bowls or mugs, garnishing each serving with a big spoonful of diced cucumber and a sprig of mint.