Thursday, September 26, 2013

Ode to the Black Bean- P


Ode to the Black Bean for Protein 

(and Your Waistline)

I grew black beans in my garden for the first time this year and what a visual delight to peel back the green string outer shell to find shiny beautiful ebony beans!  Who knew?  I have been buying them for years, and always loved black beans and rice at Mexican restaurants but never considered how they were grown.   

I have been enjoying them even more for the protein and fiber since becoming less of a meat eater last year. They satisfy hunger and keep you feeling full and full of energy for hours.   These mighty little beans, like any high-fiber food, help regulate glucose levels, which in turn boost metabolism and burn calories-so aha! we can see the waistline reduction deduction here.  FIBER: The soluble fiber in black beans helps reduce cholesterol too and the insoluble fiber tones and clears your digestive tract – excellent medicine for preventing intestinal imbalance, like IBS.   I could go on.. truly – you  must consider getting these into your diet more and Fall is a great time to do it.





I have many favorite recipes using black beans. Steamed kale with a drizzle of olive oil and cooked black beans make a delicious side dish, courtesy of my friend Jane Hulstrunk.  Another two favorites: black bean burgers and the chili recipe call for sweet potato .. a perfect pairing, more fiber for filling up and a touch of sweet to boot.  Both are fantastic for any season. Mix them up with other beans (like white beans or lentils) and your own favorite spices.  I have made black beans one of my mainstay superfoods. I hope you do too.

My Upcoming Events

October 9th:   Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont Employee Wellness workshop.
I will be doing a fun lunch time showcase on Great Kitchen Medicine for winter health. If you are looking for workplace wellness support, email me at MarieFrohlich@gmail.com

October 12th: Montpelier Farmer’s Market.  If you are in town, come by my Taproot Herbal booth and enjoy some Longevity tea and taste some tinctures to help reduce stress and support winter health (Chaga, Chaga Plus, Elderberry Plus and Rhodiola Adaptogen Power).   Special coupon for holiday gifts will be available too.  9-1pm in the parking area next to Julios.  Also available on line at: MarieFrohlich.com


October 19th: Senator Leahy's Women's Economic Development Conference Beating the Sugar Blues. Come learn about the highs and lows of sugar intake, some real aha’s on how to enjoy the sweets without the blues and enjoy some tea and delicious herbal bon bons while we explore ways to help make your sweet tooth healthy. Tastes, tea, recipes and handouts provided.  

November 19th  6-7PM Hunger Mountain Coop 
Taking Care of Your Brain:  Tools, tips and food as medicine, herbal recipes and exercises to support brain health.  Important for all ages as we navigate the various environmental, food and other toxins in our world of work and family life challenges. Pre-registration required
Find out more here

December 3rd- 6-7PM HM Coop
Beating the Sugar Blues. Come learn about the highs and lows of sugar intake, some real aha’s on how to enjoy the sweets without the blues and enjoy some tea and delicious herbal bon bons while we explore ways to help make your sweet tooth healthy. Tastes, tea, recipes and handouts provided.  Pre-registration required