Thursday, February 12, 2026

More beans please

 Hi Everyone!
You might think we eat a lot of meals that include beans. Or just beans and a salad with corn bread. Well we do.
First and I'm not bragging but I do make some of the best beans EVER! LOL 

Above; 15 bean mix just starting to cook.
 
Mr. M. and I have always enjoyed a bean meal and, since almost everything we eat is now kidney friendly, the beans are at the top of the list when meal planning.
 
Why?
Plant-Based Protein: Beans provide high-quality, plant-based protein, which  reduces toxins, inflammation and produces   less acid in the body compared to animal proteins (meat, dairy). This means less stress on the kidneys. Even adding several bean meals a month will help protect kidneys.
 
High in Fiber: Beans are packed with soluble fiber, that forms a gel to help lower cholesterol and blood sugar. In addition insoluble fiber that helps with digestion health.  Sufficient fiber intake  can be a challenge for people with CKD, making beans a perfect meal. 
 
If you remember when I was teaching my self about CKD diet, I learned that phosphorus and potassium are kidney killers.
Lower Phosphorus Absorption: While beans contain phosphorus, it's bound in a form called phytates, which the body absorbs less efficiently (only about 30-50%) compared to the phosphorus in animal products or processed food additives. 
I know that Potassium is not good for CKD patients. It is a matter of keeping control of it. Mr. M. has low potassium so again, beans are a great meal for him.
 
Heart Health: One of the most important parts of the body for CKD patients is the heart. Did you know that 40 to 50% of advanced CKD patients are more likely to die from heart failure, arrhythmia and stroke? 
Beans are low in fat, with no saturated fat or cholesterol, which helps protect the heart. Kidney disease patients are at an increased risk for heart disease, so heart-healthy foods are just as important as the kidney friendly foods.
 
Whether you have kidney disease or not, a bean meal is a healthy and delicious choice. Plus, it's so easy to prepare. 
15 beans with a bit of rice, a salad and a corn bread muffin. Can't go wrong!
 Do you prepare and eat beans? Let me know in the comments.
  Nicole 
Note; FFO will post Friday 
at 1:30AM US SPT 

24 comments:

  1. We hardly ever eat beans and I don't know anyone that does down here. We do eat on an odd occasion baked beans in tomato sauce.

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  2. We eat beans frequently, sometimes in salads (mainly chickpeas), but also red kidney beans, black beans, green beans and favs beans. . Miriam makes a terrific corn bread.

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  3. I grew up eating lots of beans. My favorite are pinto beans and when I cook them myself they are delicious. (I add a bay leaf to the pot when cooking them, along with several other spices/flavoring)

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  4. ...15 beans, I don't know if I could name 15 beans.

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  5. Not really, but I would be open to try.

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  6. I wish I liked beans more than I do! But you actually make them look good!

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  7. I need to make more bean recipes, they're such a great source of protein.

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  8. Yes we love beans too and I serve them often

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  9. I am trying to increase my use of beans in my menu since I found out my cholesterol is on the high side. I do like beans of all sorts so I have no issues eating them. You've shared some valuable points about beans. thanks

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  10. Sadly my husband will NOT eat beans. I love them, and your soup looks great. We'd eat a lot more if he'd eat them.

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  11. Delicious and healthy! -Christibe cmlk79.blogspot.com

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  12. We like beans too. I cook them often.

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  13. Another bean eater checking in, we have drastically reduced our meat eating and proportionately increased beans. Toss them in the Instantpot and 35 minutes later they are ready. Always some “refried” beans in the frig for hungry lunches. Yours ARE prettier though. Donna

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  14. Boa noite Nicole. Acho que eu como feijão desde criança. Faz parte da dieta alimentar, da maioria dos brasileiros. Aqui temos milhares de tipos de feijão. Grande abraço do seu amigo do Brasil. uma excelente noite de quinta-feira.

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  15. I used to love beans but now that I'm diabetic, I can't eat a lot of beans because they are high in carbs. I throw a little bit of black beans in my salad for lunch sometimes. Your meal looks good.

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  16. Nicole aqui adoramos feijão, desejo uma feliz quinta-feira bjs.

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  17. So many types of beans and so many recipes to choose from.

    All the best Jan

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  18. Wonderful post dear Nichole full of very helpful information 👍
    I am grateful for your hubby is on recovery journey by the grace of God!
    Reading it I checked if beans and pulses are same thing ,they seemed almost
    15 forms of beans amazing to me because I know hardly five or six 😅
    Sending heartfelt prayers and best wishes to you and yours!🙏
    O yes I had to quit pulses after knee pain started and I went through medication course for uric acid twice
    Otherwise I would use them so often 😂 learned that balance is crucial ☹️

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  19. I am making bean soup this weekend! :) Looks so incredible! I need to find good beans and I might go to the bulk barn for it. Did you ever share the bean soup recipe? Would love to try your recipe out if you did. :)

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  20. I appreciate the tips about kidney health.

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  21. I only have one kidney so this is good info for me... thanks, and I love 15 bean soup altho my dh has gas from eating it... LeeAnna

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