Phase One recipe to share

Daily Dish
Phase 1 Kickoff Recipe
It's the time of year for making resolutions. And chances are, that means making a commitment to losing weight and getting healthy. Fortunately, the South Beach Diet can help you reach your goals by teaching you how to eat delicious, nutrient-dense foods and encouraging regular physical activity.

During Phase 1, the first two weeks of this doctor-designed plan, you'll eat satisfying amounts of lean protein, low-fat dairy products, good fats, legumes, and fresh vegetables. On the menu: reduced-fat cheese, eggs, skinless white-meat turkey and chicken, seafood, lean cuts of red meat, beans, nuts, healthy oils (including extra-virgin olive and canola oils), and plenty of veggies. Within two weeks of eating this way, your cravings will be gone, your weight will be down, and your energy level will be up. Plus, you'll be well on your way to improving your overall health. What better gift could you give yourself this year?

This Creamy Broccoli Soup (below) is an example of a deliciously satisfying Phase 1 dish — ideal for newbies as well as South Beach Diet devotees. It's excerpted from The South Beach Diet Parties & Holidays Cookbook, which features 150 irresistible recipes from more than 20 festive menus. This soup comes from the Phase 1 Kickoff Party menu (which ends with a decadent chocolate mousse). Of course, these dishes can also be enjoyed as part of a fun and healthy eating plan year-round. Now that's cause for celebration!

Creamy Broccoli Soup

Makes 8 (1-cup) servings

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes

Ingredients
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 pounds broccoli, stems and crowns, roughly chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper
5 cups vegetable broth
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Small blanched broccoli florets for garnish (optional)

Instructions
1. Heat oil over medium heat in a large nonstick saucepan. Add onion and garlic, reduce heat to low, and cook until softened, about 7 minutes. Add broccoli, salt, and a pinch of pepper; stir well to coat. Add broth and lemon juice; raise heat and bring to a simmer. Partially cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer gently until broccoli is very tender, about 25 minutes.
2. Transfer soup to a blender and puree, in batches if necessary, or use a hand blender. Serve hot, garnished with a small broccoli floret, if desired.

Nutritional Information:
80 calories
2.5 g total fat (0 g sat)
4 g protein
4 g fiber
390 mg sodium

Make-ahead tip: Soup can be made up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated in a covered container. It can also be frozen for up to 1 month.