Is the summer heat getting you down? Jump into a group training class, then cool off with this refreshing, fitness recipe of the week.
Creamy Cucumber Soup
Servings: 4 servings, about 1 cup each
INGREDIENTS
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
4 cups peeled, seeded and thinly sliced cucumbers, divided
1 1/2 cups vegetable broth, or reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper
1 avocado, diced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
1/2 cup low-fat plain yogurt
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, 1 to 4 minutes. Add lemon juice and cook for 1 minute. Add 3 3/4 cups cucumber slices, broth, salt, pepper and cayenne; bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook at a gentle simmer until the cucumbers are soft, 6 to 8 minutes.
2. Transfer the soup to a blender. Add avocado and parsley; blend on low speed until smooth. (Use caution when pureeing hot liquids.) Pour into a serving bowl and stir in yogurt. Chop the remaining 1/4 cup cucumber slices. Serve the soup warm or refrigerate and serve it chilled. Just before serving, garnish with the chopped cucumber and more chopped parsley, if desired.
NUTRITION FACTS
Calories 173, Total Fat 12 g, Saturated Fat 2 g, Monounsaturated Fat 8 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Sodium 494 mg, Carbohydrate 15 g, Fiber 5 g, Protein 4 g, Potassium 544 mg. Daily Values: Vitamin C 30%. Exchanges: Vegetable 1, Fat 2.
