"Because they're canned and shelf-stable, they're easy to keep on hand for a quick meal. Plus with all their digestive-friendly fiber, beans support gut health," she adds. The simplest way to use beans is to add them to any salad or grain bowl for a quick protein and fiber boost. If you have some time on the weekends, "make a big batch of black bean soup or chili, then store them in individual grab-and-go containers for lunch throughout the week," suggests Carroll. Try our slow-cooker vegetarian chili for a hands-off make-ahead lunch or our bean and beef taco soup.
