Eating beans, more plant-based foods should top your to-do list in 2022

Are New Year’s resolutions still a thing? I’m pretty sure everyone’s New Year wish is for COVID to disappear.

Resolutions are usually related to improved health or relationships. I asked two of my outstanding dietitian colleagues for guidance on how to shape health-promoting New Year’s resolutions.

“Focus on meals built around enjoyment with more plant food options,” said Connie Diekman, M.Ed. RD, food and nutrition consultant from St. Louis.

I couldn’t agree more. The research demonstrating the health benefits of plant foods is solid. And Connie put enjoyment at the front because no one eats foods they don’t enjoy. Find the vegetables you and your family enjoy and don’t agonize over a partner who won’t eat broccoli or asparagus. In the plant kingdom, there is something for everyone.

A doable resolution would be to add a fruit, vegetable or whole grain to your daily intake. When that becomes routine, add another. Yes, whole grains are plant foods.

From Chris Rosenbloom, Ph.D., author of “Food & Fitness After 50”: “Ask consumers to ditch the mindset to shop the perimeter of the grocery store. While it is true that fresh fruits, veggies, dairy, meats and fish are found on the perimeter, there is a bounty of nutritional goodness found on the interior. Canned or packaged foods like cereal, beans, tuna, salmon rice and pasta are affordable, nutrient-rich and have longer shelf life, leading to reduced food waste.”

With the cost of food today, anything to reduce waste is welcome.

I have a suggestion that combines both these ideas. Eat more beans. It’s an enjoyable plant food, that is also considered a protein, and the most convenient way to enjoy beans is from a can. Beans help control blood cholesterol and blood glucose levels as well as supporting digestive health.

Beans can be part of appetizers, entrées and desserts. Get the can opener out and Google bean recipes.

Sheah Rarback MS, RDN is a registered dietitian nutritionist in private practice in Miami.