Fall weather calls for warm meals! As colder weather is quickly (and unfortunately) approaching, delicious hot meals will soon become part of our every day again – for good reason.

Here are 5 reasons why soup should be your go-to meal this fall.

1. Helps when you’re feeling under the weather

Although soup doesn’t exactly cure you of illnesses, it’s one of the better-known comforts during the cold and flu season. There’s a reason why your mom always brings you chicken soup when you’re feeling under the weather: chicken soup is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and helps clear up some nasty symptoms you might be experiencing.

2. Provides nutrients on a budget

Living on a student budget often makes it harder to afford foods with all the nutrients you need to stay healthy. Not only are soups inexpensive and easy to make, but they also pack loads of veggies and feel-good ingredients to keep you full! Plus, as soups are largely liquid-based, they do a great job of not only satisfying your appetite but also equally keeping you hydrated!

3. Keeps you warm, even on the coldest days

There’s nothing like a hot bowl of soup to warm you up on a cold day. The secret to warm fingers and toes is a nice bowl of hot soup in hand – who needs mittens anyways?

4. Makes meal prep easy

Making healthy nutritious meals can be hard to juggle with busy school schedules. Luckily, soup can also be easily frozen and reheated in a microwave or on the stove. A large pot can last you for multiple meals for days to come and with so many variations you’ll never get tired of it.

5. Keeps you calm & energized

On a stressful day, having a bowl of soup can help reduce your anxiety and calm your nerves. The nutrients in many types of soup can help boost your energy and improve your mood so you can focus on those important assignments or exams while staying cool, calm and collected.

Not sure how to make your own soup or don’t have the time? We can help! Starting Wednesday, Sept. 30, the IGNITE Soupbar is back!

Switching it up this year from its usual pay-what-you-can format, the Soupbar is now completely FREE, with grab-and-go frozen 1L containers of soup, perfect to take home and enjoy.

Find your favourites, like broccoli cheddar and coconut curry, and bring it home to pair with a yummy side of your choice. Might we suggest something like grilled cheese or na’an? With many flavours to choose from, the delicious combinations are endless. Choose between different flavours and mix and match however you like!

Find our delicious soups housed in the freezers at the North campus IGNITE Student Centre beside the Food Emporium, and at the lobby of the Media and Arts Studios on Birmingham at Lakeshore campus. Stop by on your way home from class and make sure to bring your own bag!

Looking for recipes to make at home? Here are 5 easy soup recipes to soothe your soul!

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