Where do you get your protein? A question that is always asked when seeking to be a healthier, happier you. Beans will be your best friend as well as a few other substitutes to meat. Dr. Mary Clifton helps by explaining these facts:

Calorie for calorie, beans have as much protein as red meat. Luckily for us, beans are a great source of healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fats that people need to keep their cellular metabolism functioning at peak performance. Both beans and whole grains contain higher concentrations of flexible, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats than animal protein sources. When people avoid meats and dairy, favoring a diet rich in beans, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, they have higher omega-3 concentrations in their bodies than people who eat mainly fish as their protein source. Beans also have plenty of complex carbohydrates to provide sustained energy, and a healthy dose of dietary fiber to further decrease risk of heart disease and colon cancer.

Not a fan? If you like beans but they don’t like you, be sure that your beans are thoroughly cooked and thoroughly rinsed of their cook water. That will improve digestibility immensely. Start with a little portion, like a tablespoon a day, and eat them daily in a slowly increasing amount. Give your colon some warning that changes are coming, and it will make the necessary enzymes to help you break down these new protein sources like the superstar you know you are.

Think of using these crazy healthy beans anywhere you’d use meat. Lentils are marvelous replacement for ground meat in cabbage rolls. Beans look great and taste delicious in hearty soups and stews. Veggie burgers make a quick midweek dinner. Hummus is a hearty snack.

You’ll also be loving the effect of beans on your pocketbook. Rice and Beans with Cajun or Mexican flair is one of the cheapest little dinners a gal can cook.
Beet Hummus

Ingredients:

2 medium beets
2 14-oz cans chickpeas, drained
1/4 cup lemon juice
6 cloves garlic
3 Tbsp tahini (this is just crushed sesame seeds)
1 tsp hot sauce
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped
1/4 cup olive oil
Preparation:
Drain and rinse your chickpeas thoroughly. Put all of the ingredients in the food processor and blend until well combined. I think you can limit the olive oil to just a few tablespoons, and use water instead to cut the calories and fat. Enjoy!
Dr. Mary loves black bean burritos, and always has a case of black beans in the pantry. She lives and writes in Traverse City, Michigan, and blogs on nutrition and life as a doctor at DrMaryMD.com. 

What else do you enjoy eating hummus with?

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