Rich In Beans, it’s essential to find nutritious food options, even when you’re on the go. One fantastic source of nutrition, especially for those seeking plant-based proteins, is beans. Fast food restaurants are increasingly incorporating beans into their menus, offering meals that are rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. In this guide, we’ll explore various fast-food options rich in beans, ensuring you can make healthier choices while enjoying convenience.
Below is a list of fast foods containing beans that are readily available in fast-food chain restaurants in the United States:
click here for more
Black Bean and Fruit Salsa
Salsas are savoury and are people’s favourite. They can be made of varying ingredients based on individual taste. It contains a good load of beans, black beans to be precise. The black beans are rinsed, drained, and incorporated with other elements including olive oil, pineapple, mango, habanero pepper sauce, diced red pepper, ground cumin, and minced garlic clove to name apart. This mixture is left to sit for 10 minutes and refrigerated until it’s ready to be served. They contain protein, fibre, and no cholesterol.
Mediterranean Bean Salad
This salad can be used as a topping to pita or Gyra. It contains a lot of beans and other ingredients that it savoury and healthy. Little wonder the Mediterranean diet made the first place on U.S News and World Report review of diets. The beans used in this salad can vary but mostly used are black beans, white beans and kidney beans. The rinsed and drained beans are mixed with chickpeas, red pepper and onion, tomatoes, cucumber, cheese, mint and green onion. This would be dressed with a mixture of olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and garlic. It is high in protein, thanks to the beans and peas.
Three-bean pasta salad
As the name implies, this salad has three different types of beans. And of course, it’s very high in protein. The green beans are trimmed and cut into pieces. The cooked and drained pasta and green beans are combined with celery, pinto beans, kidney beans, shallots, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, mustard, and honey (made into a whisk). Refrigerate for an hour and serve. This salad has very low fat and very rich in protein.
Turkey and bean chilli
Turkey could be lean in protein but when combined with beans and simmered for the proper time, it becomes really healthy and rich for the body. The beans (cannelloni) are rinsed, drained and mixed with cooked turkey, minced garlic, chopped red onion, chilli powder, tomatoes, fat-free chicken broth, and others. Bring to boil and simmer for 10 minutes. The flavour deepens after a day or two. So it can be prepared days before. It has little fat but high on fibre and higher in protein.
Black bean chocolate muffins
This is on the healthy side as they are 100% plant-based. They have no flour, egg, or butter. The recipe is simple and you do not have to be a pro baker to do it. The black beans are blended with ground oats, pitted dates, maple syrup or any sweetener, vanilla extract and baking powder. Blend in batches and stir in the chocolate chip and bake for about 16-20 minutes. You can choose to add a topping like a cashew vanilla frosting or anyone of your choice. It is, of course, high in protein, fibre, vitamins and hearts healthy fats.
These are a few of foods rich in beans you can try now. You already know how crucial beans is to the body. Its protein content is very high, fat content is very low, and vitamins level is very high. If you want to eat healthily, make sure beans is on your menu. You should never miss out on its nourishment. So now that you know these things, what are you waiting for? Start eating!
Fast-Food Option 1: Chipotle’s Burrito Bowl with Black Beans
Chipotle offers a range of customizable options, and their burrito bowl with black beans is a standout. Black beans are packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making this option both filling and nutritious. You can add your favorite vegetables, guacamole, and brown rice to boost the nutrient content further.
Fast-Food Option 2: Taco Bell’s Power Menu Bowl (Vegetarian)
Taco Bell’s Power Menu Bowl is a great option for those looking for a bean-rich meal. The bowl features black beans and can be customized to be fully vegetarian by replacing the meat with extra beans or guacamole. The beans provide essential proteins and fibers, making it a wholesome option for fast food.
Fast-Food Option 3: QDOBA’s 3-Cheese Nachos with Pinto Beans
QDOBA offers a wide variety of toppings and bases for their nachos. By choosing pinto beans as a base, you not only get a delicious meal but also a healthy dose of protein and fiber. Pinto beans are known for their creamy texture and rich taste, making them a great addition to the cheesy nachos, while also boosting the dish’s nutritional profile.
Fast-Food Option 4: Panera Bread’s Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich with Black Bean Soup
Panera Bread offers a healthy combination of their Mediterranean Veggie Sandwich with a side of black bean soup. The black bean soup is loaded with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Combining this with their veggie sandwich, which includes hummus and a variety of fresh vegetables, makes for a well-balanced, satisfying meal.
Tips for Choosing Bean-Rich Fast-Food Options
When selecting fast-food options that are rich in beans, keep the following tips in mind:
- Customization: Many fast-food chains allow you to customize your meal. Opt for extra beans, vegetables, and whole grains to enhance nutrition.
- Watch for Additives: Be mindful of added sugars, heavy sauces, or cheese that may reduce the health benefits of the beans.
- Portion Size: Beans are filling, so choose portion sizes that satisfy your hunger without leading to overeating.
- Balance: Pair beans with healthy sides such as salads, brown rice, or whole grain bread to create a more complete and balanced meal.
Conclusion
Beans are a nutritional powerhouse, offering an excellent source of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. With fast-food restaurants increasingly incorporating bean-rich options into their menus, you can enjoy a healthy, protein-packed meal even when you’re short on time. The next time you’re grabbing a quick bite, consider one of these delicious and nutritious bean-rich fast-food options!