In winter, Brits often opt for warm, hearty lunches rather than salads and similar dishes, which are typically more popular in summer. For those looking for a cosy and comforting meal, soup is a popular choice. It's usually cheap and easy to prepare in the middle of the workday, with supermarkets selling an array of fresh and tinned options.

People might also think they're making ahealthy choice by choosing something like vegetable soup. However, soup lovers are advised to check the latest advice on the NHS website, as some may do more harm than good.

As the NHS Better Health website points out, people might want to swap out some popular lunch items, such as tinned soup, from their regular meals. While soup can be a healthy choice, packed full of nutrients, homemade soup is typically much better than tinned soup.

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The NHS points out that 'it's easy to eat more sugar or salt than we might realise' at lunchtime, and people might want to swap out foods such as tinned soup, ham and cheese sandwiches, and split yoghurt pots. The NHS suggests swapping out these foods, along with cereal bars, muffins, crisps, and fizzy drinks, if you're looking to enjoy healthier meals.

There are plenty of healthier options. Some examples offered by the NHS include plain natural yoghurt, sugar-free jelly, a slice of malt loaf, fresh fruit, and plain popcorn. Or, people might want to follow the NHS-approved recipes found on the website, such as spiced chicken and vegetable soup.

That's not to say people can't enjoy tinned soup, muffins, and crisps from time to time, but they're best enjoyed in moderation. The NHS explains: "Too much saturated fat can increase the amount of cholesterol in the blood, which increases your risk of developing heart disease.

"Regularly consuming foods and drinks high in sugar increases your risk of obesity and tooth decay. Eating too much salt can raise your blood pressure, which increases your risk of getting heart disease or having a stroke."

If you do opt for tinned soup, it's also worth checking the ingredients, as brands can vary greatly. Healthy Foodwarns: "Some contain well over half your recommended daily sodium limit of 2000mg, which can lead to high blood pressure.

"To stay safe, make your goal no more than 700mg sodium per serve." The website adds: "Fresh, chilled soups are closest to what you'd make at home, so they can be nutritious. Avoid the coconut- or cream-based varieties, as they can be high in kilojoules and saturated fat."

According to The Eatwell Guide, a healthy, balanced diet typically includes:

• five portions of a variety of fruit and vegetables



• meals based on higher fibre starchy foods (potatoes, rice, bread etc)




• some dairy or dairy alternative




• some beans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other protein




• plenty of fluids (six to eight glasses a day)




• opting for unsaturated oils and spreads, and eating them in small amounts