I'm a bit confused. I absolutely love field peas, baby lima beans, navy beans and black-eyed peas...however, I'm not really sure how they are allowed on SB and what kind of impact they might have on my weight loss....they seem to fall somewhere between a protein and a vegetable. They also seem to be allowed in small quantities...1/3 to 1/2 cup...a day? I also noticed that they seem to be high on the glycemic index. On other plans I've been on in the past, they often fall into a starch category.

So, here is my question(s)....should these items be limited to a certain amount each day or can they be a part of my 4 1/2 cups of vegetables a day? If I'm already eating steel cut oatmeal each day, should I avoid these?

Definitely include them in your diet. The 1/2 to 1/3 cup serving size is the prevent "repercussions" when you first start out. They are definitely good carbs with both types of fiber. I never thought of limiting them but don't count them as veggies - they are more protein, IMHO.
I hope this helps.

I've never included a lot (if any) beans in my diet. What kind do you have and how do you have them? Any recommendations? I have been using fat free refried beans in my taco bake.

I put beans on everything. What kind- heh. I like to cook Black beans (of course the kids get rice with that) I put any kind of bean available on my salad, black, chick peas, white, kidney. I use pinto beans to make soup or lentils. or mixed bean salad w/ olie or canola oil and vinegar. YUMMM.. I cook chick peas (chi chi beans or garbanzo beans are the same thing) w/ garlic and parsley and mash them (well, stir them..when they're soft they kind of crumble) MMMMM Beans are such a great source of fiber and protein- if you're not using them you should be.

For what it's worth . . . from the point of view of diabetes . . . they count sort of half carb / half protein . . . because they are such good sources of both. You can't go too far wrong with beans.

I love beans... black beans and chickpeas (garbanzos) are my faves.

I take about half a can of black beans with a frozen box of spinach and some rf laughing cow cheese and heat that all up.... add some salsa if you like... it's very yummy and a nice side dish or lunch.

Yikes, KsK!!!! Beans are such a staple for success on SBD that unless you personally abhor them, I'm amazed that you don't eat them more! Eat some beans, woman! Sorry...I love them and know that they help SO much because:

• They give you needed fiber, which keeps you 'regular' and helps you feel more full.
• They have tons of protein, which keeps you full longer and leads to less cravings.
• They're a great source of protein that does not (naturally) include saturated fat.
• They have good carbs which keep you from having headaches and other signs of detox in Phase 1 and give you a slight boost in blood sugar during P2 so that you are less likely to have dropping blood sugar which leads to cravings.
• They taste awesome!!! Refried beans are my personal comfort food.

I actually never paid attention to the recommendation of how much beans to eat, but like Ruth, I've never counted them as a vegetable. They did help me eat my veggies, though, especially at the beginning, when I hated veggies! I added them to salads with tons of other veggies, and didn't notice the veggies as much because I could focus on the kidney beans or chickpeas. I also make 3 (or 4) bean salad which has veggies and beans in it (along with healthy fats!) and kind of helps cure a sweet tooth when I get one.

Seriously, everyone should add beans to their diet...especially those of you on P1. All beans are okay, canned or dried, as long as they don't have sugar (look carefully...you'd be surprised!!!). You can have Black Eyed Peas on their own (they aren't actually peas) or Chickpeas (again, not really a pea), but other peas have to be in a pod to be okay on SBD. Little round peas on their own are too starchy--they become a bad carb. With the added fiber of the pods, you eat less, the peas are tinier, and you don't get as high of a sugar rush. I count peas in a pod as a vegetable.

Hope that helps...now go enjoy some beans!!! (and you can always use beano if you are worried about the repercussions... )

Thanks, Everyone! I will definitely be eating some beans today!

Thanks for all of the information! The plan I was previously following considered them carbs which were limited. There are many things that I am eating now that used to be restricted somewhat. I kinda forget about many foods that weren't recommended on my other plan (like peanut butter..in moderation of course) I don't abhor beans, but wasn't too fond of them before. I am really liking them in the taco bake and hope to find a new appreciation for them. Thanks for verifying that canned beans are okay provided their ingredients don't contain sugar. That would have been my next question!

I did notice several of the benefits that beachgal mentioned when I had the taco bake on Phase 1. That was a life-saver! I will be printing this thread and experimenting with beans!

Can you smell it? I am making the Taco Bake right now! It freezes well so I am going to make and bake it in individual dishes. I love having a "stash" - aside from my drugs, of course!

we always have chili in the freezer... and i use kideny beans, red beans or pinto beans, black beans and chili beans too... I LOVE BEANS.

Taco Bake, huh? Seems like a popular recipe. I'll have to look into this one!

You bet! It's stickied and starred in the Phase I Entrees.

Oh, Ruth! I read that first line and since we're talking about beans, I assumed....

Whew!

Anyways, GGSebas, you definitely should try the Taco Bake. It's a HUGE favorite...so good that husbands and others not on SBD actually love it, and we all make it even in Phase 2!!! Plus, it's a GREAT way to hide veggies from your kids (and yourself, if like me, you don't like them at first! ).

Ksk, I'm so glad you're going to try more beans! I did post a ton of bean recipes in the side dishes part of the recipe forum a while back. Some easy things, if you liked the taco bake, are to heat up half a can of refried beans (I put half in a container in the fridge for later!) with salt and pepper and garlic (or whatever seasonings you like) and heat in the micro until very hot. Then add a serving of low fat shredded cheese and stir till it melts. Top with SF salsa. This is safe in Phase 1 as long as there's no sugar in the salsa or beans, and it's delicious! Such comfort food.

I thought I read somewhere that we should rinse the beans...am I making that up or do they need rinsed? I bought a can of black beans the other day and have yet to open them.