Summertime is a perfect time to increase your intake of beans. Did you know that the new food guide pyramid recommends eating a minimum of three cups of beans each week? These nutrition powerhouses are simple and easy (keep a supply of canned beans in your pantry) and can be quickly made into a soup or tossed into a salad. Any way you eat them, beans add flavor and interest to meals – not to mention protein, fiber, folic acid, and iron. 

Nutrition-wise, beans lower cholesterol levels and reduce heart disease risk. They promote a feeling of fullness that helps you eat less and control calorie intake. They are naturally low in fat and sodium. Rinsing canned beans helps to decrease their sodium content.

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Have you tried Marcona almonds?

On Rachael Ray’s recommendation, I purchased Marcona almonds and have found them to be a wonderful treat! Marcona almonds originated in Spain and are rounder, sweeter and more delicate in texture than other almonds. They are tender, flavorful and satisfying.  Although they’re pricey, about $15 per pound, a little can go a long way.

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