Back on The 17 Day Diet--Carrot Ginger Soup with Chicken

We I gained 12 lbs over the holidays because I did not stay with Cycle 4 and now I am regretting it.  Started back up.  On Cycle 1 Day 12.  I have a lot less to lose this time so I am not surprised I have only lost 2lbs so far but I haven't weighed myself the past two days.  Discouraging but I am sticking with it. 


I made this soup yesterday.

1 tsbp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 cup of chopped white onion
1 medium chopped shallot
1 tbsp minced garlic
1 stalk of celery chopped
3 cups of shredded carrot
3 tsp reducec sodium Better Than Bouillon Chicken
1 lb of bonelss skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized
1 tsp to 1 tbsp of powdered giner (to taste)
1 to 3 pinches of oriental 5 spice (optional)
6 cups of water


Saute onion, garlic, shallot, and celery in heavy bottom pan on low-medium heat until onions are almost translucent.  Add chicken and brown.  Add the rest of the ingrediants and bring to a boil, reduce heat to simmer and simmer for 1/2 hour. 


Strain soup with a fine mesh colander.  Pick out chicken pieces and save in a separate bowl.  Bowl strained liquid back in pain.  Put remaining vegatables in a blender with 1 cup of liquid.  Leave the center of the blender top off and cover with a dishtowel.  Puree while holding dishtowel on the top.  Pour puree in with the strained liquid and stir to mix, add chicken and serve.