The real Chicken Soup story!

The last two days...I spent way too much time in regular stores... updating office supplies  and phones.....walking through—aisles packed with every distraction imaginable. Designed to keep you wandering.

And I remembered a social post from a popular blogger...who thought Whole Foods was just the Amazon-owned store....hmmm...she was selling protein powder......my brain twitches....with the irony and lack of perceived education...all to market....stayed with me...so today I made Chicken soup on a very nice cool Saturday morning 

But food doesn’t have to be like that. Stick to the basics: protein, dairy, vegetables, healthy fats (and yes—real starches like beans or potatoes, not the instant packets). These four groups are the foundation of nourishment.

Here’s the trick: most of them live on the outside edges of a grocery store. Meat counter. Produce section. Dairy cooler. That’s where food is still food. 🥩🥛🥦🫘

I think all the noise...makes us forget to turn simple foods into a good meal - ya'll know how much I love my crockpot - 4 things - a meat, some veggies, pick a starch, and some fat -

Just this morning - I turned a whole chicken into soup with wild rice, carrots, onion, butter, and rosemary - enough water to fill a 1-gallon stock pot - simmer away!

Simple. Honest. Exactly what your body was made for.

Below is from chatgpt...basics - good info -Energy cycle

Protein

Value: Proteins are the “builders” in our diet. They repair tissues, build muscle, and support enzymes, hormones, and immune function.

Nutritional role: Made of amino acids, they’re essential for growth and recovery.

Examples: Meat, eggs, dairy, beans, lentils.

Energy: 4 calories per gram — steady fuel that also keeps you fuller longer.

Fat

Value: Healthy fats don’t just add flavor — they’re critical for brain health, hormones, and absorbing fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).

Nutritional role: They provide insulation, cushion organs, and slow digestion (helping with satiety).

Examples: Olive oil, butter, nuts, seeds, avocados, dairy fats.

Energy: 9 calories per gram — the most energy-dense macronutrient.

Carbohydrates / Starches

Value: Carbs are the body’s quickest source of energy, especially for the brain and muscles. Starches (like potatoes, beans, and grains) release energy more slowly than refined sugars.

Nutritional role: Supplies glucose for immediate energy or storage, supports gut health when they come from whole sources with fiber.

Examples: Beans, potatoes, rice, oats, vegetables, fruits.

Energy: 4 calories per gram. Whole carbs give a steady release; processed carbs spike and crash.

The Energy Picture

Proteins = repair and recovery.

Fats = long, slow-burning energy + brain & hormone support.

Carbs/Starches = quick energy, especially for daily tasks and activity.

Together they balance each other: protein + fat stabilize, starch/carbs energize. That’s why a plate with all three feels satisfying and keeps you going.