Don\u2019t read this until after your 4th of July cookout<\/p>\n
I love a good hamburger or pork rib BBQ, but with the escalating prices on meat, I began looking for other sources to get my protein. Plus, recent health reports suggest less meat and a more plant-based diet of vegetables & fruits offer a healthier lifestyle.<\/p>\n
In my research, legumes (beans, peas, lentils, soybeans & peanuts) provide another protein source. Lentils and soybeans may have about half as much protein as meat, but because they are low in fat and calories and high in fiber- they are a perfect option. When combined with whole grains, like brown rice, you can get the same \u201cquality\u201d of protein as meat. Plus, they are gluten-free, which may interest people who want gluten-free food choices. These things add up to a healthier option for your body. I found lentils to be
\nvery filling & satisfying as well.<\/p>\n
If you buy dried legumes, be sure to wash them thoroughly in case of stray hulls. If you buy them in a can, always drain the juice and rinse them as well. Dried beans & peas can be counted as both a protein and a vegetable. I also found they give me more energy, I feel less \u2018heavy,\u2019 and I sleep better; plus, I am happy to report that I lost pounds!<\/p>\n
Surprisingly, these vegetables are also a source of protein: watercress\/alfalfa sprouts \/ spinach \/ Bok choy \/ asparagus \/ collard greens \/ broccoli \/ brussels sprouts &
\ncauliflower. So, mom did know best, telling me to finish all my veggies.<\/p>\n
I will continue eating hamburgers and making my famous ribs in a crockpot, but it will be less frequent. I even found a recipe for \u201cApricot Lentil Soup,\u201d which initially I thought, \u201cugh,\u201d but wow, what a delicious surprise.<\/p>\n
So, experiment for yourselves! Happy and healthy eating. (BTW, you can disregard this for summer cookouts. LOL).<\/p>\n
Information sourced from: WebMD\/Harvard EDU\/healthine.com\/Mayo Clinic<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Don\u2019t read this until after your 4th of July cookout I love a good hamburger or pork rib BBQ, but with the escalating prices on meat, I began looking for other sources to get my protein. Plus, recent health reports suggest less meat and a more plant-based diet of vegetables & fruits offer a healthier […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7125,"featured_media":212406,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[111],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-212417","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-the-american-retirement-advisor-blog"],"yoast_head":"\n