Cleansing Vegetable Soup

It's that time of year when some of you are coming off of Spring Break and others are beginning to gear up for their Spring Break.  It's also the time of year when many of the health related New Year's Resolutions have gone by the wayside.I am a huge fan of soups, not just during the cold, short days of winter, but I love soup any time of year.  It's typically easy to make and can be a wonderful, light and healthy meal.  It is also the perfect meal for anyone wanting to clean up their diet, lighten their meals and attempt to cleanse.  I made a huge batch of my Cleansing Vegetable Soup over the weekend and have been eating it for dinner or lunch, and had enough to freeze for later.I've spoken of my views on juice cleanses and detoxes and why I'm  not a fan.  I AM a fan of a detox or cleanse with fresh, whole, real foods.  This soup if a perfect fit.  Plus, it's so good the rest of  my family likes it, too! CLEANSING VEGETABLE SOUP1 T olive oil1 onion, chopped3 cloves garlic, minced3 celery ribs, chopped2-4 carrots, sliced1 cup chopped broccoli1 cup chopped butternut squash1 zucchini, chopped1 cup green beanssalt and pepper to taste1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp thyme1 tsp oregano1 bay leaf8 cups low sodium vegetable broth1 14 oz can tomatoes, dicedDirections:Heat oil in a large pot.  Add garlic, onion, celery, carrots, squash.  Heat, stirring about 5 minutes until onions are soft.  Add the rest of the vegetables and heat another 2 minutes.  Add spices, stirring, then bay leaf, tomatoes and broth.Allow to simmer 12 - 15 minutes and adjust seasonings to taste.Remove the bay leaf before serving.  Enjoy!That's it!  Enjoy for lunch or dinner anytime!  Enjoy Your Day!