Whether you are stepping away from meat, looking to add more protein to your diet or simply bored with the same protein sources, try adding black beans to your regular meals and snacks. Not only are black beans a great source of protein with a whopping 15 grams in 1 Cup, but they are also a good source of much needed fiber with 15 grams in 1 Cup! And this very affordable plant-based protein contains nutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese copper and zinc AND they serve as a healthy, "good" carb source (non-starchy carbs).

Buying Tip - look for Organic, which is still much cheaper than meat proteins and be sure to rinse your beans before using to help stave off gas.

How to Use? - Black beans can be added to salads, eggs, tofu, soups, salsas, as a side dish, mixed in quinoa or whole wheat pasta, mashed into a bean dip, made up into a veggie burger or even used as a substitute in brownies.