If you're addicted to smoothies in the morning because they're quick and a delicious way to get a ton of healthy foods into your body, you'll definitely want to get on board with adding this nutrient-dense ingredient to your blender. Beans!
I know it sounds weird, but because they're virtually flavorless, you'll never even realize they're there. They not only add a wonderful creamy texture, but they're chock-full of fiber and protein, two must haves to make your smoothie extra filling. The longer your hunger is satiated, the less food you'll need to eat, which is why adding beans to your smoothie can help you lose weight.
Depending on the beans you choose — cannellini, pinto, or black — for around 50 calories, one-quarter cup adds three grams of fiber and three grams of protein. But if you choose kidney beans, one-quarter cup offers five grams of fiber and four grams of protein [2].
Here are three smoothies that are made with beans:
- High-Protein Banana Milkshake Smoothie [3]: 335 calories, 13.6 grams fiber, 20.3 grams protein
- Blueberry-Mango-Kiwi Smoothie [4]: 366 calories, 14.7 grams fiber, 12.2 grams protein
- Metabolism-Boosting Smoothie [5]: 343 calories, 8.1 grams fiber, 30.4 grams protein
If you don't have time to cook dry beans in the crockpot [6], open up a can of beans (I like Eden and Westbrae Natural because the cans are BPA-free), rinse and drain them, and store them in a glass container in the fridge so they're easy to grab in the morning. Or you can freeze pureed beans [7], so when you're ready to make your smoothie, just throw two cubes in your blender.