let's talk beans

Good morning ,

Over the past few years, I've been able to maintain my weight through the 80/20 rule and walking in the neighborhood. I don't know what changed with my body in 2026, but I started gaining weight. I was getting pretty upset because I hadn't changed my eating or exercise habits.

I considered doing a juice fast, but I knew that I would put the weight back on shortly after it ended. I've never been a fan of trendy diets because I feel they only work while you do them. As soon as you stop, the weight comes back. I've never been one to count calories or deny myself food. Balanced eating has always been what worked for me, until recently.

I was feeling discouraged because I didn't know how I could stop this weight gain long-term until I found #beantok. I came across this woman in her mid 50's talking about how she started adding 2 cups of beans to her diet per day. She talked about the benefits she experienced and how much weight she has lost. I spent the next day researching beans and the benefits for our bodies.

Beans are packed with fiber, plant-based protein, iron, and folate, which can help support hormone balance, digestion, energy levels, and overall wellness for women. They also help keep blood sugar stable and promote longer-lasting fullness, which may help curb sweet cravings and support heart health.

On April 20, I started eating 2 cups of beans per day just to see what it would do. Right away, I noticed I was fuller longer, and my sugar cravings decreased. I ate 2 cups of beans per day for about 2 weeks and then moved to 1 cup per day.

Since adding beans, I've lost 3 pounds. I'm down to only eating 2 meals a day (one between 11am-1pm and the 2nd between 6-8pm) because I'm just not as hungry. I'm not snacking as much because I'm full. I'm only eating a small sweet treat twice a day now instead of double that. Sorry if this is TMI, but I am much less gassy, and my stomach is less bloated. I also don't feel tired in the middle of the day anymore.

Why am I sharing this with you?

Every week, each of us is getting older. As we age, our bodies and our digestive systems change. Gut health is often overlooked, and it's a big reason for many of the illnesses and ailments people face. Whether or not you start incorporating beans into your diet, I hope this message encourages you to take your health seriously. My husband has told me from the beginning of us dating, "Your health is your wealth." Our health isn't just important for ourselves but for those around us as well. I also believe we are to be good stewards of our bodies. We can enjoy food without being gluttonous. I hope this email encourages you! Reply back and let me know if you plan to start eating beans, and I can share some of my favorite ways to eat beans.