Go Lean with Beans
As you know, I’m a big fan of beans, because they are at the core of a wholesome plant-based diet. I recommend including these babies in your diet every day—no matter what your eating style—as a great source of protein, fiber, and important nutrients. Eating more beans (or pulses, essentially) is linked with a number of benefits, including weight control. Here’s some great information from S&W Beans on including beans for a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Grab one of my favorite recipes for beans. My Provencal Bean Salad is pictured above.
Healthy Weight
When it comes to managing body weight, diet and exercise go hand-in-hand, and beans can help you do the heavy lifting. That’s because beans provide several essential nutrients that make them ideal for weight-friendly meals or post-workout snacks. It has “bean” proven that adults and kids who regularly eat beans are less likely to be overweight!
Energy-Boosting Carbohydrates
With 18-23g of carbohydrates in a half-cup serving, beans will help you fuel a cardio workout or power through a strength-training session. Additionally, the combination of carbohydrates and protein promotes muscle repair and recovery, making beans a great addition to a post-workout meal or snack. Try them blended in a smoothie or baked into muffins!
Hunger-Fighting Fiber & Protein
Protein and fiber help you feel fuller longer, which helps you avoid overeating and snacking between meals. One serving of beans contains 6-9g of fiber – a whopping 24-32% of your daily value! It also provides 6-7g of protein, which is about the same amount found in one egg or 1oz of meat or fish. As an added bonus, insoluble fiber supports healthy digestion.
Low Calorie
One half-cup serving of beans contains only 100-130 calories, making it a smart choice for your daily calorie plan. According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, women need 1,600- 2,400 calories and men need 2,000-3,000 calories, depending on how physically active they are.
Low Sodium and No Bad Fats
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says healthy eating for a healthy weight includes minimal intake of sodium, and trans and saturated fat. Not only do beans contain no saturated or trans fat, but S&W® 50% Less Sodium Beans (certified by the American Heart Association), or S&W® Classic Beans that have been drained and rinsed to remove 40% of the sodium, provide all the health benefits of beans with less sodium.
Note:
I am not a spokesperson for S&W, nor am I profiting in anyway from this post.