Deconstructed Black Bean Burrito
To bean or not to bean... that is the question!
If you're new here, then you know by now that I've done just about every diet known to man.
Keto
Paleo
Whole 30
Intermittent Fasting
Gaps
All in an attempt to lose weight and heal my gut.
And while those may work for the short term, every single one of them (aside from the whole 30), totally messed with my periods.
(Side note... if you're losing your period, having more mood swings or insomnia - then your diet is doing more harm than good).
Back to the beans...I used to live my life in fear of beans because one article would say that they contain phytates which are cancer causing, and another article recommends them for hormone balancing.
So which is correct?
BOTH!
Not confusing at all... Jk. Okay so here's the deal. Beans can actually be very beneficial to your hormones because they are a stable carbohydrate source that won't spike your blood sugar, disrupt your cortisol, or lead to increased intestinal inflammation.
If we are having digestive problems when eating beans, that is usually for 2 reasons:
Lack of nutritional enzymes to break down protein and carbs
Lack of beneficial gut bacteria that leads to over-fermentation in the gut and therefore gas and bloating.
So if you're having the above symptoms, then I would make sure to get some good enzymes and probiotics on board to help you et those nutrients you need. These are the enzymes and probiotics I use. You can grab them HERE.
Okay, so now that you have a little more information about beans and hormones and how to get the most out of these protein packed pods... I've got a delicious recipe for you that has become a staple in our home!
The Deconstructed Black Bean Burrito
What you need:
1/2 cup Brown Rice (dry)
1 1/2 tsps Avocado Oil
1/4 cup Red Onion (finely chopped)
1 Garlic (clove, minced)
2 tsps Taco Seasoning
1 cup Black Beans (cooked, rinsed)
1/4 cup Water
1 Lime (juice, divided)
2 leaves Romaine (large, chopped)
1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)
Cook the rice according to package directions. (aim for organic rice whenever possible to avoid arsenic exposure)
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for three to five minutes or until the onion has softened. Add the garlic, taco seasoning, and salt and cook for another minute.
Add the black beans and water and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue to cook for three to five minutes or until the liquid begins to thicken and beans are warmed through. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in half of the lime juice. Mash the black beans with a potato masher or a fork until just a few whole beans remain. Season with salt to taste if needed.
To serve, divide the rice, beans, lettuce, and tomatoes between plates or bowls and drizzle with the remaining lime juice. Enjoy!
Want more gut healing recipes and targeted nutrition the whole family would enjoy? Check out our Leaky Gut Meal Guide!
To your wellness,
Andrea Jones
