Hello Loyal Soup People!

Hopefully you’ve noticed that we’ve just launched our new fall Souper Meals menu. In addition to traditional fall flavors (pumpkin, sweet potato, and more!), you’ll see that the soups are packed with legumes. At Soupergirl, we love these nutritious gems. They are bursting with protein, fiber, B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and other minerals. Growing legumes is also great for the planet. They leave a very small carbon footprint. With all this chat about our favorite ingredient, I thought I’d answer the burning question – exactly what is a legume??

– Legumes are simply plants that grow inside pods. Examples include peanuts (yes – they are technically legumes!), soybeans, and green beans.

– Pulses, another term we use a lot, are types of legumes. They are edible seeds that grow in pods and are then dried. Beans (black, kidney, navy, etc.), peas (split green, split yellow), lentils, and chickpeas are all pulses.

Some people avoid beans because of their high carbohydrate content. But remember, not all carbs are created equal! Because legumes have so much fiber, when consumed they don’t cause a spike in insulin (versus, for example, what happens after eating a plain bagel). Legumes are also low in saturated fat and calories. A small serving of beans keeps you full for hours because of their high nutrition content. So, you end up eating less throughout the day!

Call them whatever you want – beans, legumes, pulses, or… you best friends. No judgement! But you can see why they are our favorite ingredient!

Love,

Soupermom

*NOTE – Soupermom is not a licensed dietitian, doctor, personal trainer, or anything like that. She’s just extremely knowledgeable about healthy living!! But if you slip and fall while taking her advice, it is not her fault!