When I first began living The Skinny–and was losing 2 pounds a week–I quickly figured out that having bean dishes in my fridge inventory, at all times, was an important key to my success.
Rich in fiber and disease fighting phyto-nutrients, beans are a tasty and filling snack or side dish. And, as a good source of protein, beans helped my body adjust as I was easing up on the animal.
But, as healthy as beans are, they still pack about 227 calories a cup. And, if you have a big appetite, like I do, a cup doesn’t seem like a lot of food, right?
So, instead of eating them on their own, by simply mixing beans with other flavorful and texture rich ingredients–many almost calorie free–you can have that rich bean-y goodness for only 88 calories a cup!
By the way, if you’re having a BBQ, it’s the perfect appetizer.
With the lightened calorie load, you–and your guests–won’t feel guilty about the few tortilla chips you’re eating…
Or the BBQ cocktail that I KNOW you are drinking!!!
SKINNY MAGIC BLACK BEAN SALAD
1 can black beans, drained
1 large red bell pepper, diced
2 large stalks celery, diced
1 cup corn kernels (1 large ear)
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
1/4 cup fresh chopped herbs. Cilantro, parsley, and/or dill, in any combination, works!
2 T red wine vinegar
1 t salt
1/2 t pepper
Open the can of beans, and drain the juice.
Wrap an ear of corn in a damp paper towel, microwave for 2 minutes and scrape kernels off the cob.
Chop the rest of the veggies and toss them all in a bowl..
(You can see from this photo how the higher calorie beans are just a fraction of the final dish, right?)
Add the herbs, vinegar and 1 t salt and a 1/2 t pepper.
Let it sit for an hour or two and taste. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it.
Serve as a side dish or a dip with chips..
Tastes even better the next day..
RE-USE, RE-PURPOSE, RE-CYCLE
The day after your fabulous BBQ, use the leftover beans to make a hearty but skinny egg white omelet!
(Or, if you’re in Maine, where lobsters are 4 dollars a pound, Breakfast Lobster Taco!!!)
Or, if you’re running out to work, just take a cup or two of those leftovers with you in a little Tupperware. Even with0ut the eggs or the lobster, those magic beans will save you from crazy hunger.. which means you are in control!!!
