Before ya'll start in, yes I know you can have carbs, but they aren't the "fun" carbs!

This is my 2nd annual New Year's cleansing using the South Beach diet as my guide of choice. After having gone through many diets throughout the years, I find that the South Beach is the easiest for me personally to follow. Through 2007 I stuck to it as closely as I could on the edible side, with the random slip up involving chili cheese fries or Frito pie. But on the beverage side I tend to backslide quite a bit with a nightly wine habit that I enjoy with much fervor! Let's not forget margaritas, can anyone really have just one?

I realize I will never have the body of a Victoria's Secret model, but I do what I can to stay healthy and fitting into my jeans. So here is one of my favorite recipes from phase one. Do you have any to share?

P.S. I am going to the movies tonight and I am sneaking in nuts. So sad!

See Mexican Chicken Soup after the jump.

Mexican Chicken Soup (no tortilla in sight)

1 dutch oven or large pot

Soup
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 small cans chopped chilis
2 teaspoons cumin
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 package boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cans chopped tomatos
5 cups of low sodium chicken broth

Toppings
green onions - chopped
cilantro - chopped
low-fat Mexican shredded cheese
low-fat Sour cream

First:
Boil Chicken until cooked then drain. Cube Chicken once it cools.

Next:
In your dutch oven heat the oil at medium to medium high heat. Add cumin and garlic and saute for a minute then add your canned tomatoes and chilis. Return your chicken to the pan. Add chicken stock, and turn the heat to medium low. Simmer for 45min to an hour. Dish up and add cilantro, green onions and cheese and sour cream. I have mine with Tobasco as well. Enjoy!!