Protein, Beans and Fat-Burning "Diets"

Now I've never been one to talk positively about diets. If you've read some of my posts before you'd likely know that I'm not a fan of diet schemes that claim you can lose weight and get a flat stomach.
The simple reason for this is that the creators of these "miracle diets" will often twist the truth in order to make sales.
The truth is that no diet is going to give you a flat stomach forever. The mere word "diet" refers to eating habits that are not usual. If you want to get 6 pack abs, lose stomach fat or just lose some weight, you will need to keep a few things permanently in your life in order to keep your level of health, fitness etc.

One of those things is a quality source of protein. Protein is a macro-nutrient and one of the most essential nutrients in the body in terms of maintaining lean muscle mass and burning/preventing fat.

So how do beans weigh up on the protein scale? Well a couple of essential things you should know about beans and fat-burning:

1. Not all beans were created equal - some contain a much richer source of protein than others.
2. Raw is usually best, but in this case (you have to cook beans to make them edible) cooked beans are much more beneficial in terms of nutritional value than canned beans.
3. Organic is always the way to go. Especially with varieties such as soy which are often otherwise GM foods that are scientifically proven to contribute to cancer growth.

Beans can take a lot of heat in nutrition circles for apparently being carb-rich and "starchy" but I beg to differ. Although beans do contain carbohydrates unlike meat, they also contain loads of extra nutrients such as flavanoids and are a rich source of daily fiber.
Like everything though, I would recommend bean consumption in variety and moderation. 

Bean protein source types:

• Soybeans - 36.5% protein. Also contains isoflavones, omega-3 fatty acids and cholesterol reduction properties. Avoid GM soybeans.
• Black-eyed peas - 30% protein. 60% daily dietary fiber intake.
• Pinto beans - 28.1% protein. Also contains molybdenum which is beneficial for numerous human functions such as protection against tooth decay.
• Kidney beans - 24% protein. Also contains various vitamins
• Garbanzo beans (chick peas) - 20% protein. Rich in many vitamins and minerals
• Navy beans (baked beans) - 13% protein. 19 other vitamins and minerals
• Adzuki beans - 7.5% protein.

All beans are generally high in protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates and iron, they offer a great source of variety for protein intake and for beneficial carbohydrate sources.

One thing I love is any of these beans cooked with chili, tomato, peppers, onion and mexican spices topped with loads of avocado served with some fresh garden greens. That is a great lunch which will literally explode your fat burning potential and help you get a flat stomach faster.

Incorporating beans into your diet will give you yet another secret weapon with which to fight belly fat.