Last week I stumbled across something (an Instagram post, maybe) talking about a global push to double the consumption of beans by 2028.
Increasing the beans on our plates can be an answer to so many of the issues the world faces:
They assist with food security in a time of cost of living crisis.
Beans are great sources of protein and fibre which makes them a really healthy choice for anyone at all but in a world of chronic disease they are a good choice for anyone trying to lose weight or reverse blood sugar issues.
Bean production is easier on the environment than other foods "Production of meats such as beef and lamb generates up to 250 times more greenhouse gases per gram of protein than for beans, pulses and legumes. They are also an ideal rotational crop, reducing the need for fertilizers—a boon to both the environment and to farmers."
After hearing about this push to get us all eating more beans, I decided I'd make September the Month of the Bean. I'm going to eat beans every day of September.
I'm insulin resistant and my blood sugars are still in the "healthy" range but creeping up, my attempts to lose weight have had some success but I have a long way to go so more beans is a great choice for me and I know I'll do better at it if I make it a challenge and share my progress.
So, while I'm in the planning stage, tell me, do you have a favourite way to eat beans?
By beans, do you mean long green veg that look like asparagus? Or small, roundish white veg that look like buttons? Last night we ate green beans, broccoli and sprouts braised and covered in a thick tomato blend. Luscious!
ReplyDeleteI mean the small roundish buttons :) i should have called them by the proper name "pulses and legumes"
DeleteGrean beans, broccoli and sprouts is a lot of green veg :) You might live forever!
Hels asked the same question- green beans or pulse/legumes? Obviously not tinned baked beans in tomato sauce….but will they get a go as well?
ReplyDeleteKnowing the effect ‘dried beans’ has on me (unless soaked a little before cooking) I take you are the only one living at home now….or maybe you’ll blame the smell on your new dog (whose name escapes me for the moment)
Baked beans on toast will get a go! I still live with two children and Sally isn't big enough to blame haha
DeleteI might need some other strategy
I had a comment half started. I have no idea where it went.
Delete1--blackeyed peas with no salt or other seasoning. 2- blackeyed peas with brown rice and no seasoning at all. 3--Navy beans--no salt, maybe ham in beans. I do start with dried beans. Love Limas and green beans.
above, Practical Parsimony
Deleteabove, Practical Parsimony
DeleteHi Linda,
DeleteI used to cook from dried beans but these days I'm happy with canned.
I honestly cant imagine liking plain rice and beans but I could be wrong
As a vegetarian I eat a variety of beans. If you are going to cook from dry may I suggest you soak them overnight first and cook in fresh water. I would also begin to eat some in the lead up to September as a slower introduction because many people find beans hard on their gut. I eat lots of Indian lentil recipes, for example, dal made with red lentils, to which I often add pumpkin and green beans so it’s an all in one dish. Any soup or stew can be made with added beans for a slower carb meal. Beans are not a complete protein, with the exception of soybeans, so some complementary foods are needed in your diet. I’ll be interested to see how you find your month of beans. Helen
ReplyDeleteany vegetable soup or stew can be made more
Hi Helen,
DeleteI'm not vegetarian but I eat beans fairly frequently and my gut handles them well these days.
I think the protein is complete if eaten with other plants so it should be ok.
I forgot about tofu! It doesn't look beany by the time its tofu 🙂
We love a pot of seasoned beans with cornbread on the side. It is not a glamorous meal but it is darn tasty. I have tried bean burgers and the taste is fine but to me the texture is off putting.
ReplyDeleteI once had a very tasty bean burger with good texture but they are very hit & miss.
DeleteWhen you say seasoned beans, are we talking salt and pepper?