The Biggest Bean Ever

by The Meal Makeover Moms on May 27th, 2008

Last week, Liz traveled to Chicago for a nutrition conference on the benefits of beans (yes, we know, as dietitians we get all the perks). Before heading back to the airport, she took a walk over to Millenium Park where she was greeted by what looked like the world’s largest bean! Turns out the 110-ton sculpture is not a bean at all but rather an abstract structure called Cloud Gate designed to reflect the city’s famous skyline and the clouds above.

Beans were clearly the theme of Liz’s trip to Chicago. Here are a few things she learned:

* Beans wear two hats: They’re rich in protein — like beef, chicken, and eggs — so are listed on the government’s MyPyramid in the meat & beans category. They’re also categorized as a vegetable. In fact, beans have more protein and fiber than any other vegetable out there!

* Black beans, pinto beans, chickpeas, canellini beans and the hundreds of other bean varieties are incredibly versatile and are found in almost every cuisine from around the world.

* If you visit VegetableWithMore.com, you’ll find over 1,000 bean recipes as well as info on the Moms And Kids Panel where families can test and rate bean recipes.

Speaking of vegetables, be sure to tune in to our Cooking with the Moms podcast this week as we chat about vegetable recipes kids love. And while you’re at it, check out the May/June issue of Kiwi magazine and read our Veggie Love article!

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4 Comments | Filed Under Beans, KiwiMagazine, Podcast, Vegetables 

4 Responses to “The Biggest Bean Ever”

  1. Paya Lisette on May 28th, 2008

    Hey moms!!!! I looove the site and I love cooking….I have a newly developed blog of my own but I will definately check back to see what new things you guys are cooking up!!!

    http://www.shirleysgoodeats.blogspot.com

  2. Ann on June 1st, 2008

    I had a thought when I was reading this and trying out the Mexican Lasagna the other night-
    I’d like to see in the new book more with some info about portion sizes. Especially with the recipes. I often wonder if I’m feeding the kids too much or not enough with some recipes.
    If they still tell me that they are hungry, I usually offer them more fruit. Just wondered about how y’all handled this.

  3. The Meal Makeover Moms on June 13th, 2008

    Thanks for the comments. Paya, we love the sound of the curry turkey burgers on your blog! You go girl!

    The portion size question is a good one. When we develop a recipe we put a lot of thought into determining how many people it will serve. It’s not always easy since the amount each family member eats is so variable. A toddler may eat a few bites, and a parent may eat 1 1/2 portions!

    We suggest you give your kids what you would consider reasonable portions and supplement with cut up fruits and veggies on the side. If they have eaten all that and are still hungry a second helping may be warranted. Kids typically do a pretty good job of regulating their food intake and as long as they are consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lowfat dairy, seafood and lean meats you should allow them to figure out how much to eat. Notice that we are not recommending that you allow kids to eat as much as they want of foods that don’t bring much to the table as far as good nutrition.

    Good luck and keep the comments and questions coming!

  4. Reggie Hewitt on November 13th, 2008

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