Lose Weight, Feel Healthy and Keep to a Budget — with Beans

Staying healthy and losing weight on a budget has never been easier. Beans — one of the original 24 SuperFoods — are more than just nutrient-rich, they are inexpensive and can help you lose weight.

The reason beans help keep the fat off is because they have a high-fiber content, are low in fat and they make you feel full quickly. This source of low-fat protein is also fully loaded with B vitamins, iron, folate, potassium, magnesium and those all-important phytonutrients. They also tastes so good with the right recipes.

Adults who eat beans weigh an average of 6.6 pounds less than those who don’t, even though bean eaters usually consume an additional 200 calories per day. Basically, you can eat well and still weigh less.

When shopping for dried beans, buy them from a store that has a high turnover so you don’t end up with a stale batch. Old beans take forever to cook and may never get tender. If you use canned beans, look for low- or no-salt beans, or rinse them well before adding them to your recipe. Check out more tips for how to buy beans here.

Beans can be used in soups, dips, salads and main courses. Try our Black Bean and Mango Salsa, the Four Bean Chili and the Bean Salad with Orange Dijon and Balsamic Dressing.