Sweet potato hummus photo © Flickr user ilovemypit
Legumes
Legumes cover a wide range of delicious choices, including beans, peas and lentils. Legumes contain
various amounts of protein. For example, 1/2 cup of kidney or black beans provide 7 grams of protein while 1/2 cup of lentils provides 9 grams. Legume crops go easy on the environment due to collecting nitrogen from the atmosphere. Meaning they need fewer chemical fertilizers. Even so, most U.S. legume growers do use chemical pesticides, so you should buy organic legumes when possible. We also suggest
avoiding canned beans due to BPA. Dried bulk legumes are less expensive anyhow, and
just as easy once you get used to them. Try beans or peas in casseroles,
chili, soups and stews or get creative with
homemade hummus,
brownies,
black bean and cheese quesadillas or
lentils and carrot baby food.
