Beans, beans, good for the heart . . . Ahh yes they are, because they're great sources of protein and fiber. Protein gives us energy, is necessary to build healthy hair and nails, it's an important building block of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin and blood, and your body also uses protein to make hormones. Fiber is necessary to keep us regular, plus it helps to lower cholesterol, and prevent certain types of cancer.
Since beans contain both fiber and protein, you should try to eat them as often as you can. If your body isn't used to eating beans, sitting down for a big bowl of chili isn't necessarily going to do your belly any good. You could end up feeling bloated and uncomfortable, and swear off beans for good.
Instead of chowing down on an entire meal of beans, add them to the foods you already eat. Sprinkle some chickpeas and kidney beans on your salad, drop some black or cannellini beans into your soup or casserole recipes, add some black eyed peas to your pasta sauce. Get creative. I guarantee that the extra protein and fiber will have you feeling amazing.
Fit's Tips: Since you aren't going to be using a whole can of beans, store the leftovers in a plastic container in the fridge so they'll be easily accessible when you want to add a few spoonfuls to your next meal.
Alexander McQueen
Trainerspotter
Full Circle
no thanks!!
1I do. I grew up eating every type of legume out there and I keep my pantry stocked with a surplus of different dried beans because they are great when you are low on funds.
You can make a simple pot of pinto or black beans - then through out the week change up how you eat them. Make a bowl of chili one day, then a quick soup the next or rinse the cooked beans and put them on a salad.
When I don't get my protein for lean meat or diary products - I go for BEANS. And I actually just started eating tofu in small amounts. I found some excellent recipes and told myself "tofu is only ground up beans" and tah dah I'm eating tofu and liking it.
2beans are great because they are cheap, versatile and yummy!!! i make veg soup with beans alot- a really easy way to get your fill!
3I'm a vegetarian and I have a few servings of beans a day! Black bean soup, chili, and black bean burgers are really easy ways to incorporate beans, and you can get canned soup/frozen burgers that are good for busy days. You can also spread hummus, black bean dip, or fat-free refried beans in a wrap with some cheese and heat it up with peppers and onions! Yumm!
4I love beans. I am a vegetarian so I have so many unique ways to make them. My fav for a quick lunch. Chickpeas sprinkled with a little bit of olive oil and feta cheese. YUM YUM!!!
5I love beans too! I always mix potatos with beans...mmmm
6i've been working hard to incorporate more beans.
today i have a roasted veggie soup with kale & white beans that i made on sunday for the rest of the week.....then i'm putting together a chicken "tostada" for the rest of my lunch: poached chicken breast, some pinto beans, lettuce, salsa & a whole wheat tortilla.
i found a recipe that will use up the rest of my white beans & kale, as suggested, i've also been adding leftover beans into wraps & salads.
7Beans are fabulous... and inexpensive! I cook up various pots of beans and bean soups on a weekly basis to pack for lunch at work. Tasty, quick and filling.
8i love beans... can't get enough of the fiber/protein mix! i make a killer lima bean casserole, with pepper jack cheese and green chiles, very delicious, cheap and filling.
9quick lunch:
tostada (fried or baked tortilla)
smashed blackbeans (or pureed??? -dont know how to say that) or normal refried beans...
shredded cheese and shredded lettuce
add ground beef if you want, chunks of tomato, jalapenio slices, whatever u want...
but just cheese and beans is delicioussss
10Boil your softened beans in a pot with a tablespoon of baking soda to eliminate the gassy results of eating legumes (if you're not used to eating them.)
11LaurenG22 - great idea adding them to potatoes. I'll have to try that.
12Weird, its like you are one step behind everything i do today.. I JUST had a bowl of soup and added red kidney beans to it... and also i am drinking green tea and you've covered that today too... whats next, you gunna discuss IT band injuries>?
13Eh. I only eat beans mixed in with minestrone soup.
14How long do beans last in the fridge when they're out of of the can?
15as a vegetarian, beans are a daily protein fix.
16love them! i keep a stock of black beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans.
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