I don’t know about you but I had a wonderful holiday week. Actually, it is going to continue a bit this weekend with a little New Year’s celebration.
Admittedly, I overindulged. I knew what I was doing and I was okay with it at the time. Generally speaking, I eat very well. I enjoy eating healthy but also enjoy a little sweetness in my daily routine. However, I ate a lot and I ate a lot of some not so healthy foods last week. It was fun. But now I feel a bit puffy and sluggish.
Nothing feels better after a little overindulging, than to get back on the healthy bandwagon. One thing that is great for your body and belly is beans. Beans are a powerhouse of nutritional goodness.
When we walked in the door from a week away, we had very few things in the refrigerator or cupboard. However, anytime I got to the grocery store and they have a sale on canned goods, I stock up. Mary loves chili and I love that she is a fan of beans.
I quickly went to town making this “salad.” I knew she would gobble it up. I also knew that it would fill the rest of us up and leave our bellies feeling a little better. One thing that happens when I eat a bit differently than normal is that I get horrible heart burn. Giving your belly a little “reboost” can help to reset your body.
This recipe is super simple and likely already in your kitchen. Here are a few benefits of this fun “salad.”
Black beans: are packed full of fiber, potassium, Vitamin B6 and folate. They are low in cholesterol and heart healthy.
Garbanzo beans: are high in fiber, protein, magnesium, potassium, and iron. They are low in fat and calories and again are really great for your heart healthy lifestyle.
Kidney beans: are high in protein, fiber, iron, potassium, maganese, Vitamin B1, and folate.
Corn: is also high in fiber, and a wonderful antioxidant. Antioxidants help repair damage from cancer causing agents in our bodies. Chemicals in this vegetable also help improve vision.
Red onions: continue on our healthy eating plan by packing in calcium, folate, thiamine, potassium, magnesium, and Vitamins C, K and B6.
Our bodies rely on a variety of these minerals and vitamins. Getting an abundance helps to ensure that we keep our bodies functioning and healthy.
So how do we make this super simple salad?
Ingredients:
1 can black beans, drained
1 can garbanzo beans, drained
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 can sweet corn, drained
1 small red onion, chopped
1 tablespoon EVOO
Salt and pepper to taste
Balsamic vinegar (optional)
Directions:
Drain all of the canned vegetables and rinse in a colander. Chop the red onion and add all ingredients to a bowl. Toss with EVOO. Add a little salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a little balsamic vinegar or apple cider vinegar to give a little kick.
I love adding this on top of my green salads. It also tastes delicious with a little salsa and a dash of cheese. This is a great one to make a big batch and add to other dishes throughout the week.
This sounds perfect for topping a green salad, which is exactly what I need after a holiday filled with overindulging!
I hear you. We made a giant bowl of this and ate it solo one night, in rice bowls another, and on salads for lunch. Works well in everything.
Rice bowls sound delicious too. Can’t wait to try it.
My husband makes a similar version of this and pairs it with pico de gallo – it’s super good! I think the sweetness from the beans/corn/red onion compliments the spicy from the jalapeño and it’s just a great combo!
That sounds delicious. I’m going to add some pico de gallo next time!
Completely know what you mean about overindulging! This salad looks amazing!
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed. Now it’s time to clean it up! I hope you enjoy!
I am lucky in that I love my veggies, but I am also with you that I had a bit much of the other things. I REGRET NOTHING
I would live off of salads if I could. But when you go to other people’s parties, you go to have fun!
Sounds great and may have to add that to the “good” diet and menu starting sometime next week 🙂 We make a bean soup recipe with mushrooms and red wine that we got from runners world that is awesome, though I throw in small pieces of bacon just to liven it up a bit…have a great New Years weekend!!
I’m going to have to look that soup recipe up. It sounds fantastic. And bacon livens everything up!
Sounds awesome!
I hope you get a chance to try it and enjoy.