Food Worship #14: The Kidney Bean

Sorry folks, I know it's been a while since you've heard from the Food Guru.  I've been quite busy, but finally have a little time to sit down and discuss with all of you another of my favorite foods.  As you may or may not know, I'm a huge fan of beans.  They're a fantastic source of carbohydrates, and are absolutely DELICIOUS.  They come in all shapes and sizes, and I could honestly go for a few days rambling on about each one regarding its benefits, nutritional value, and why YOU should be eating them.  But today, I must choose only one.  And so I've made it my second favorite, as I've already written about my number one (the chickpea, or garbanzo bean.)  Today's bean of choice is....*drum roll*.....the humble kidney bean.

These medium sized beans are a little bit funny looking, being shaped like, well, kidneys.  But I assure you, they're one of the best foods you could ever put in that ever improving body of yours.  Not only are they delicious, but they have a whole host of powerful health benefits that will without a doubt make you feel (and look) absolutely amazing.  As per the usual routine, I'll now provide several bulleted categories of beneficial aspects of the bean, as any professional blogger would (despite me not actually being professional...yet.)  Let's get started, shall we?

Fiber:  First and foremost, as with a LOT of beans, kidney beans are very rich in fiber.  Fiber can help lower cholesterol and greatly improves digestive health.  It also makes your body more efficient at digesting the other foods in your diet and utilizing the nutrients in each one.  In all honesty, you want to get as much fiber in your diet as you can, ESPECIALLY if you have a high protein diet (as any muscle-head would.)  Fiber is your friend.  One cup of kidney beans will have about 220 calories and a whopping 16 grams of fiber!  That is a LOT of fiber, and will do your body a LOT of good.

Complex Carbs:  If you're looking to build muscle and have long lasting, powerful energy throughout the entire day, you need a lot of good quality, slow digesting complex carbs. In terms of carbohydrates, you can't get much higher quality than kidney beans.  They'll provide your body with exactly the energy you need, and will promote muscle growth and glycogen replenishment.  Unlike sugary carbs, complex carbs will NOT provoke as aggressive insulin response by your body and therefore will allow you to avoid unnecessary fat gain.  Kidney beans are like high octane, awesome quality fuel for your body, so eat up!

Stabilize Blood Sugar:  Not only are fiber and high quantity of complex carbs an excellent source of digestive health and long lasting energy, they also both help stabilize blood sugar, leading to less fat gain (if you're bulking up), or easier fat loss (if you're slimming down.)  Low and stable blood sugar levels are crucial to a healthy diet and trim figure, especially as you age.  

Protein Packed:  Kidney beans are absolutely LOADED with protein.  One cup has about 14 grams of protein, and while the beans themselves don't provide a complete amino acid profile (the protein in the beans isn't immediately available to your body for muscle building), when the beans are combined with a good whole grain, the amino acid profile can be completed and you'll get all the benefits of that hearty, protein packed legume.  Want the guns to impress the ladies?  Grab yourself a can of kidney beans and dig in.  

Nutritional Profile:  To wrap the rest up into one little section, kidney beans have a great nutritional profile overall.  They're very low in saturated fat, very low in sugar, and of course, if you buy the right ones, are all natural.  I love the canned beans, which have all the same nutritional benefits, but unfortunately with a bunch of added sodium.  If you get canned beans (which again, is completely FINE), make sure to rinse them thoroughly before consumption to wash the majority of that salt right down the drain.  Easy enough, right?

Here's the nutritional information for canned kidney beans:

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 cup
Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 8 Calories 218
% Daily Values*
Total Fat 0.87g		1%
	Saturated Fat 0.128g	1%
	Polyunsaturated Fat 0.484g
	Monounsaturated Fat 0.069g
Cholesterol 0mg		0%
Sodium 873mg		36%
Potassium 658mg
Total Carbohydrate 39.91g		13%
	Dietary Fiber 16.4g	66%
	Sugars 0.56g
Protein 13.44g
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 5%
Calcium 6% Iron 18%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrition Values are based on USDA Nutrient Database SR18

(Lots of sodium if left un-rinsed, so make sure to remember that step.)

All in all, kidney beans are a must-eat if you're at all concerned with health, fitness, or general well being.  They're absolutely delicious, and go well in all sorts of recipes.  Personally though, I love just eating them plain with some good spicy seasoning next to a piece of tilapia and some natural almonds.  YUMMY!  They're cheap, accessible, and ridiculously healthy.  Pick some up ASAP!

Love the kidney bean, a magical fruit, and as always, GOOD LUCK!

References:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=87

http://fatsecret.com/calories-nutrition/usda/red-kidney-beans-(canned)?portionid=37577&portionamount=1.000

Pure Pro 50 *Review*

I'm coming to you today with another rave review, this time regarding a pre-packaged protein shake that really impressed me.  This weekend I spent two days in the gym with my coach, working high volume days with pretty heavy loads.  I'd say I worked out for a total of 6-8 hours over those three sessions, and boy was my entire body feeling it after just the first one.  I was spending the night in the gym, and was going to be completely on my own for breakfast.  I knew I needed something protein packed as soon as I woke up to feed my muscles quickly after the crazy double session the previous day, and therefore that night I ran out to the local Rite-Aid and picked out the first protein shake I saw on the shelf.  After taking a quick glance at the nutritional label, I knew I'd come upon something very special.  This product not only has great macros, but tastes fantastic and works like a charm.  Its name?  Pure Pro 50 by ABB.

That next morning, as soon as I woke up, a sore and tired mess, I immediately cracked open this shake and prepared to chug it down (just in case it didn't taste so hot, as some canned shakes can be disgusting.)  But as soon as the first drop glanced across my tongue, I immediately threw all intentions of chugging it out the window, and instead savored this liquid goodness as well as I could.  The shake was thick, creamy, and extremely chocolatey (as it should've been, being the milk chocolate flavor).  I could definitely taste the thick milk used in the ingredients, which was an extremely refreshing change of pace from all the watery protein shakes I've had in the past.  Unfortunately the stuff was gone before I would've liked it to be, but throughout that day I noticed a resurgence of power through all my snatches, clean and jerks, and even my extremely high volume squats at the end of the workout, where I hit 105kg for four triples AFTER a total of 40 reps of varying lighter weights.  Thank goodness for that morning protein fix.

But what exactly had I just consumed?  More specifically, what's in Pure Pro 50 that makes it such an optimal shake for strength athletes?  Well, before I get going on why I love the nutritional breakdown of this shake, let me show you the nutritional label:

12/14.5 Fl. Oz. Bottles Milk Chocolate Serving Size1Bottle(14.5fl oz) Servings Per Container12 Amount Per Serving Calories 250 Calories From Fat 20 % Daily Value* Total Fat 2g 3% Saturated Fat 1g 5% Trans Fat 0g Cholesterol 40mg 13 Sodium 90mg 4 Potassium 490mg 14 Total Carbohydrate 9g 3 Dietary Fiber 3g 12% Sugars 3g Protein 50g Vitamin A 0% Calcium 100% Vitamin C 0% Iron 8% * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Ingredients Water, Protein Blend (Milk Protein Concentrate, Whey Protein Concentrate), Cocoa (Processed With Alkali), Natural And Artificial Flavors, Cellulose Gel, Sucralose, Cellulose Gum, Acesulfame Potassium, Carrageenan. Allergen Information: Contains Milk Ingredients.

First and foremost, this stuff is PACKED with protein at a whopping 50 grams!  If that doesn't help those tired muscles recover, I don't know WHAT will.  And what I really like about this product is that it gets those proteins from various sources, including a quick digesting whey concentrate and a more slowly digesting milk protein concentrate.  This means that Pure Pro 50 will feed muscles both IMMEDIATELY and over an extended period of time, giving you a more complete recovery.

Second, this stuff is very low in both sugar and total carbohydrates!  I prefer low sugar protein sources, because once you start adding a ton of sugar you start to lose a lot of the support for lean muscle mass, and instead start coaxing your body to start storing some of those simple carbs as fat.  Now I know a lot of people out there say that you need fast acting carbs after a workout in order to force more protein into your muscles, but there have been multiple studies done refuting that claim.  Many EXTREMELY successful athletes don't supplement simple carbs after a workout, and if they do consume carbohydrates, they're usually a more complex carb like waxy maize, oats, or even vegetables (like sweet potatoes!)  You don't need sugar, and I'd much rather live without it.  The low total carbs in this product also promote its usage on low carb diets, and make it a much more versatile option for most people.

And on the subject of carbohydrates, Pure Pro 50 has 3 g of fiber!  That's AWESOME!  The more fiber you can get in your diet, the better.  Fiber helps digestion, allows your body to more effectively use the food it's been given, and helps to keep you lean.  Sweet!

Pure Pro 50 is also very low in sodium, and high in potassium, which is just what you want following a workout.  After working hard, your electrolytes have been severely depleted, and you need a decent dose of potassium to ensure your body can rehydrate effectively.  The fact that Pure Pro 50 takes this into account impresses me greatly.

And finally, Pure Pro 50 is very low in fat, with only 2 total grams, only 1 of which is saturated.  This is a perfect compliment to the average American's diet which is absolutely loaded with saturated fat.  Cut that crap out little by little, and I guarantee you'll like the results.

Now in terms of price, I have to say that these shakes become more fiscally feasible when consumed every now and then as a supplement to your normal protein powder.  They're relatively cheap on their own, but don't really become practical when bought in a 12 pack (like they're commonly sold in.)  It's between 40-50 bux for a 12 pack of Pure Pro 50, where as 4lbs of whey protein powder, which is about 50 servings, is around the same price.  12 vs. 50...hmmmm...I wonder which one I'd choose.

All in all though, Pure Pro 50 is a GREAT alternative to nasty canned shakes that are packed with sugar and lacking on the protein.  It's made with quality ingredients, has a great nutritional profile, is loaded with muscle building protein, and tastes absolutely DELICIOUS.  I would definitely recommend trying the milk chocolate flavor, boy was it yummy.  Who knows, you might get hooked on the stuff.  Thanks Pure Pro 50 for helping me recover from some of the craziest workout sessions of my life.

Flatout! Multigrain Flatbread *Review*

It's not often you come across a food that's a remarkable step forward in terms of health, convenience, price, and taste.  However, I have to share with you a recent find of mine that I came across in my local Walmart when buying food to stock up my dorm room.  I was looking for whole wheat bagels, and instead came across a brightly colored flat plastic package proclaiming "Flatout!"  Intrigued, I picked it up.  And after reading the front, back, fine print, nutritional information, AND ingredients, I immediately tossed the package in my cart and have been thoroughly enjoying its contents for about a week now.

So what did the package contain?  Well, Flatout makes healthy flatbread/tortillas/wraps, and I've always been a HUGE fan of making wraps containing all sorts of delicious meats and veggies.  They taste amazing, and Flatout flatbreads are NO exception.  I bought their multigrain variety, which not only contains Flax seed and Omega-3 fatty acids, but is made from 100% whole wheat bread.  WOW!  Now that's some serious health horsepower.  But upon reading into the nutritional information and macro-nutrients a little more, the story just gets even better.

What else do these flatbreads have going for them?  Hmmm...where do I begin?

These things are packed with fiber!  Every flatbread has 17 grams of complex carbohydrates, 8 entire grams of which is fiber!  8 WHOLE GRAMS!  That's a LOT of fiber, and is a fantastic addition to any diet.

Not only are you getting a very manageable dose of some of the healthiest carbs you can find, but you'll also get a great dose of protein!  Each flatbread has 9 grams of protein!  Yet again, I say WOW!  That is quite a bit of protein for just one little wrap.  So far I'm loving it.

Also, Flatout flatbreads have only 1 g of sugar per serving, and 2.5 g of unsaturated fat (no saturated fat!  NICE!).  The flax seed adds a whole bunch of Omega-3 as well, which just about everyone needs in their diet. Put some tuna in one of these wraps and you'll be getting enough Omega-3 EFAs to keep your heart happy and healthy for quite some time.

But Flatout flatbreads don't only impress me with what they contain, they also cause great excitement for what they DON'T have.  What am I talking about?  Well in many 100% whole wheat products these days, you'll find that hidden killer, high fructose corn syrup.  That stuff is the devil, and will add fat to your bones quicker than you can get to the nearest dumbbell.  Flatout flatbreads though have none of this, as well as no other crazy, unpronounceable ingredients.  Only the good stuff goes into these breads, and that's just plain awesome.

And did I mention they're only 100 calories EACH!?!

Here are the nutritional facts for Flatout flatbreads:

 Needless to say, I love these things.  They're easy to make into all sorts of amazing culinary creations.  Some days, for a quick and healthy in-dorm breakfast, I make a simple wrap that contains:

1 Flatout! Multigrain flatbread wrap (100 calories)
1 cup of Southwestern style egg beaters (aproximately 110 calories)
3 White button mushrooms (sliced with mandolin) (15-20 calories)
Whatever other veggies I feel like throwing in (would love some diced onions or peppers!)

I basically slice the veggies into the egg whites, stir it up, add some cayenne pepper, and cook it for about two minutes.  I then scoop out the mix onto a Flatout! flatbread wrap, twirl it up nice and tight, and I've got a high protein, low carb breakfast for low calorie days.  Not to mention it's DELICIOUS!

But that recipe is ridiculously simple compared to some of the stuff they have on their site.  Check this out:

Arugula Mushroom Flatout Thin Crust Pizza

Posted in Grillin' Pizza

1 Flatout® Light Flatbread
1/2 cup fresh, sliced and steamed mushrooms – shiitake, button or portabella
2 Tbs onion, sliced
6 grape tomatoes
1 Tbs olive oil
1 1/2 tsp fat free balsamic vinegar
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 cup baby arugula
1 Tbs freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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Preheat outdoor grill. While grill heats, toss mushrooms, onions and grape tomatoes with olive oil; season to taste with salt and freshly ground pepper. Saute 6 to 8 minutes. Lightly oil both sides of Flatout. Cook Flatout on closed grill for 2 minutes. Remove from grill and top with arugula, sautéed vegetables, Parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Cut into slices and enjoy!
Alternate Cooking Options: Cook lightly oiled Flatout in 350°F oven directly on grate for 7 minutes. Remove, top with arugula, sautéed vegetables, Parmesan cheese and drizzle with balsamic vinegar. Cut into slices and enjoy!

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View Printable Recipe

Does that look good or what?  Check out some other fantastic recipes right on their site:
http://www.flatoutbread.com/category/recipes/

All in all, these wraps are fantastic, a real slam dunk in the diet world.  They're made with quality ingredients, are extremely healthy, and taste absolutely fabulous.  They're moist, thick, and flavorful, and boy do they go great with almost anything.  My rating?  An easy 10/10.  PICK SOME UP TODAY!!!!

Oh, and tell them the Food Guru sent you.  Good Luck!