Worst: Creamy Soups

Some commercially prepared and homemade creamy soups can contain an entrée's worth of calories. When whole milk or heavy cream is used as the base, they also add artery-clogging saturated fat. For a much healthier alternative, stick with broth-based soups and consommés. If you prefer thicker soups, choose vegetable purées made with water or skim milk as a base (like the butternut squash soup pictured here) – their smooth, creamy texture feels indulgent, and the puréed veggies provide a nutritional bonus.

Lightened Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Shallot Soup