Beans

Beans are a fabulous source of vegetarian protein and fiber, two nutrients that help you stay full and satisfied. The protein and fiber in beans also tempers the rise in blood sugar that occurs after a meal, which can help stabilize mood.

The fiber in beans also helps keep you regular (every half cup serving adds another 7 g of fiber to you daily total) Beans are low in fat and a good source of magnesium and potassium, nutrients that work together to lower blood pressure and keep your heart and blood vessels healthy. Added bean bonus: They're inexpensive!

Here are some bean-eating tips:

• Skip canned beans whenever possible and opt for cooking dry beans instead.
• Soak harder beans (chickpeas, kidney beans, black beans, etc.) for several hours to shorten cooking time.
• Use leftover beans as the foundation of a great veggie burger.
• In addition to eating beans for their cancer-prevention benefits, beans are also a good source of B-vitamins, can help regulate digestion, and work to regulate blood sugar.