How to Keep Your Resolutions Going Strong With Beans

Let's get real – sticking to resolutions after the hopeful vibe of early January can be a bit tricky. But you know what? This year’s gonna be different. Whether you've resolved to start new food habits, make your dollars go further, or try meal prep on for size, guess who's got your back? Beans! Specifically Bush’s Beans.

Resolution #1: Start New Food Habits

If your New Year's vibe is all about changing up your meal plans, there are countless ways beans can help you crush your goals.

For those looking to eat less meat, adding plant-based protein into your routine with a recipe like Baked Feta Chickpeas brings legumes and flavor to the front and center of your plate. This recipe is especially great because you can add extra veggies and it only takes 15 minutes to make.

Speaking of veggies, if eating more of them is your objective, don’t settle for snacking on bland raw vegetables at lunch. Adding beans to salads, like this one with chickpeas and cucumbers, or this one with kale, quinoa, and black beans, brings delicious flavor and variety, and proves that getting your greens in doesn’t have to be dull! Also special shout out to chickpeas which can be baked to add an extra crunch and boost of protein to your salads, like they do in this grilled caesar salad recipe.

And for those vowing to simply start their mornings off with breakfast, look no further than this Banana Blueberry Cannellini Bean Smoothie. It's a delicious and easy option that’ll give you the energy to tackle the days.

Resolution #2: Make More Budget-friendly Meals

Being mindful of budgets in the new year is a resolution for countless people. And guess what? Beans can help here too! They’re an affordable source of plant-based protein, so they help stretch the wallet and the meal.

Merely adding them to the dishes you already love and make frequently during the winter such as Minestrone Soup is an effortless way to make leftovers last a few more days.

Also, don’t forget that beans are an excellent and affordable meat-substitute. Take these Double Bean Baked Taquitos for example. They’re traditionally made with ground beef or pulled chicken, but ditching those in favor of a double dose of beans helps make this meal even more inexpensive.

Another thing to remember — no recipe is set in stone! Even if a dish like this thrifty Heartland Chili calls for one can of beans, you can totally add an extra can (or another variety) to make the meal even more bean-filled. You’re in charge here, boss.

Lastly, if you’re looking to save some dough by cutting back on eating out this year, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo your favorite dish. Check out our recipes page and search what you’re craving for; chances are there may be an inexpensive, make-at-home, bean-version of it. Your wallet and taste buds will thank you.

Resolution #3: Start Meal Prepping

One of the best things about meal prepping is that it can actually help you achieve other resolutions. Check out a few of the make-ahead recipes we’ve been loving lately:

Southwest Zest^™ Chicken and Rice Bowl
Grain bowls are soooo easy to make ahead on a Sunday afternoon. This recipe is delicious and you can keep things creative by switching up the type of grain, bean, or sauce.

Meal Prep Bean Salad Bowls
It’s all in the name here. This office-friendly salad will boost your lunch game to the next level with plant-based protein and veggies galore.

White Bean Soup With Bacon
Meal prep pro tip! Soups like this one with creamy white beans are amazing make-ahead options because they freeze and reheat super easily.

Make It a Beautiful Year

No matter if your resolution is about embracing new food habits, saving money, or making your life easier with meal prepping, the power of beans can help you achieve your goals in flavorful and fun ways. So, roll up your sleeves, pop open a can of legumes, and make 2024 un-bean-lievable!