Question:
Are pinto beans good source of protein?

What about the carbs.    — Cynthia T. (posted on October 22, 2003)

October 22, 2003
Beans in general are not the best source of protein. They have a lot of carbs and not really that much protein as well as their gas causing abilities.
   — Carol S.

October 22, 2003
I have been eating the Taco Bell Pintos and Cheese since my soft/regular diet began. Might not be good for me but on occassion you need something. I don't mess w/ any other Fast Foods. As sold by Taco Bell their Pintos and Cheese are 20g Carbs and 10g Protein and 180 calories.
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 22, 2003
This was one of the recommended foods from my nutritionist. Good protein and she said not to worry about the amt of carbs as we can't eat much anyway. Beano does help the gas.
   — Delores S.

October 22, 2003
Beans are very good for you, in many ways. Most people are not bothered by the carbs in whole grains, fruits and veggies. It is the refined and starchy carbs (snack foods, sweets, pasta, bread, potatoes, rice, peas, corn) that create cravings and insulin reactions. Your body needs the carbs in whole grains, fruits and veggies for fiber, and to efficiently operate your key organs of brain, heart and lungs. It is unlikely that eating beans will cause any weight-loss problems.
   — Vespa R.

October 22, 2003
I am type 2 diabetic and find what the other poster said about the carbs in beans causing very little reaction ( for me personally anyway) In figuring your carb count subtract the grams of fiber from the grams of carbs to give you a more accurate reading of how many carbs you are eating...one of the benefits of higher fiber foods. I would increase my fiber intake gradually so as not to upset your system. I am still preop but have a friend who ate alot of bean type dishes in the begining, she said the extra fiber really helped out alot with bowel movements etc. Make sure and clear things with your doc if you are unsure.
   — BellaMoon

October 22, 2003
Beans are in general actually.. a good source of protein. The carbs are mostly fiber also a good source of carbs.. you do need some in your diet. The carbs are complex -- the best kind. Beans are also good in that they are NOT an animal source of protein... while some animal protein in your diet is good.. for the amounts of protein that WLS patients tend to get, its not good to get it all from animal sources. If you have a dietician, or nutritionist you can check with, I'd do that. I eat beans almost once a day (between 1/2 aND 3/4 cup) ... I love them.
   — Lisa C.

October 23, 2003
Beans are a good sourse of protein, but ONLY if eaten with rice. alone, they are an incomplete protein, so I would recommend not eating them, unless you have to. :-)sorry, I would love to eat them all the time, and I would if they were a complete protein in themselves.
   — Katrina K.

October 23, 2003
Most beans except green or yellow beans are a good source of protein. I do agree with one of the prior posters that the best source of protein is from an animal source. If you cannot tolerate meat sources of protein then try a soy protein. According to my nutritionist soy protein is the only plant source of protein that is nutritionally close to animal protein. I use black beans as one of my bean protein sources. I smash the beans (2 tbls) with a fork then add about 1 1/2 tbls of salsa then a teas of low fat sour cream. I mix it up and dip tortilla chips (about 6 -8 Tostito Scoops) into it. This is one of my snacks. The whole snack equals about 1/2 cup of total food. Very filling.
   — ChristineB