Fall for beans this fall

LMQC Nutritionist blogger, Jeni Tackett, explains why you should plan to put more beans in your diet and shares a delicious chili recipe that’s perfect for the fall weather.

by Nutritionist Blogger, Jeni Tackett, RD, LD

Jeni is big on beans and shares a fave chili recipe that’s just right for cooler weather (and healthy too)

Fall is the perfect season to add chili, soup, and stew to your weekly menu. Beans are the common ingredient to these hearty dishes. There are so many varieties of beans that are nutritional powerhouses, inexpensive, and delicious.

So, what’s so great about beans?

Here are four great reasons you should incorporate more beans in your weekly menu:

Fiber: Beans are a great source of dietary fiber. Most Americans do not get the recommended 25-35 grams of fiber daily. ½ cup of beans provides 6-10 grams of fiber. Fiber helps to fill you up, can lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and is important for your intestinal health. 

Protein: Beans are a good source of protein in the diet. Americans love protein but often indulge in too much high saturated fat protein from animal sources. Beans are a plant food that provides protein without unhealthy fats. ½ cup of beans provides 6-9 grams of protein.

Nutrients: Beans are nutrition powerhouses due to the nutrients they contain. Beans are good sources of magnesium and potassium which are minerals important for blood pressure control. Beans are also good sources of B vitamins and iron.

Affordable: Beans are an inexpensive way to increase the nutrition in your diet. Incorporating more beans at your meals can reduce your grocery bill. While canned beans do have added salt, you can look for no added salt or reduced salt options. You can also drain canned beans in a colander, run water over the beans for a few minutes, and reduce the sodium from the beans.

Feature beans in your next meal

I always include beans in my favorite chili and soup recipes. Here is my favorite chili recipe which includes beans, veggies, and your choices of meat or meat alternative.

Make a big batch of chili or soup with beans on the weekend and enjoy warm, nutritious meals throughout the week.

Jeni is big on beans and shares a fave chili recipe that’s just right for cooler weather (and healthy too)

Fall is the perfect season to add chili, soup, and stew to your weekly menu. Beans are the common ingredient to these hearty dishes. There are so many varieties of beans that are nutritional powerhouses, inexpensive, and delicious.

So, what’s so great about beans?

Here are four great reasons you should incorporate more beans in your weekly menu:

Fiber: Beans are a great source of dietary fiber. Most Americans do not get the recommended 25-35 grams of fiber daily. ½ cup of beans provides 6-10 grams of fiber. Fiber helps to fill you up, can lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and is important for your intestinal health.

Protein: Beans are a good source of protein in the diet. Americans love protein but often indulge in too much high saturated fat protein from animal sources. Beans are a plant food that provides protein without unhealthy fats. ½ cup of beans provides 6-9 grams of protein.

Nutrients: Beans are nutrition powerhouses due to the nutrients they contain. Beans are good sources of magnesium and potassium which are minerals important for blood pressure control. Beans are also good sources of B vitamins and iron.

Affordable: Beans are an inexpensive way to increase the nutrition in your diet. Incorporating more beans at your meals can reduce your grocery bill. While canned beans do have added salt, you can look for no added salt or reduced salt options. You can also drain canned beans in a colander, run water over the beans for a few minutes, and reduce the sodium from the beans.

Feature beans in your next meal

I always include beans in my favorite chili and soup recipes. Here is my favorite chili recipe which includes beans, veggies, and your choices of meat or meat alternative.

Make a big batch of chili or soup with beans on the weekend and enjoy warm, nutritious meals throughout the week.