A common complaint of pregnant and breastfeeding women is constipation. Blame it on Progesterone and Relaxin, two important pregnancy hormones which help your body adapt to your growing uterus but also relax and slow the rest of your body down, i.e. your GI tract! One of the smartest way to prevent uncomfortable constipation is to eat a fiber rich diet, of course, by now you’re probably picturing piles of leaves but I have something much more pleasing for you: Turkey Sausage and Bean Soup!
It’s easy to prepare and tastes amazing. Feel free to add some instant brown rice if you are really hungry or want to turn this soup into a complete dish!
4 cups reduced sodium chicken broth
2 15 oz cans cannellini (white kidney beans), Great Northern or red kidney beans rinsed and drained
1/2 pound turkey kielbasa, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 teaspoon dried basil
2 dried sage leaves
1/4 tsp coarse ground black pepper
1 clove garlic minced
3 cups frozen, chopped spinach
1. In a large saucepan or dutch oven, combine broth, beans, kielbasa, onions, basil, sage, pepper and garlic.
2. Bring to boiling, reduce heat and simmer covered for 15 minutes or until onion is tender.
3. Stir spinach into soup during the last five minutes and serve. If adding rice, go ahead and add it at this time as well
Nutrition: 236 cal., 5 g total fat, 0 mg chol., 1,445 mg sodium, 34 g carbo, 11 g fiber, 26 g pro
