Why the chickpea??? Well…it all started back when I was a junior in college. I was studying abroad in Italy. Ahhhh…those were the days! Not a care in the world beyond figuring out where our next weekend adventure would take us…! But, I digress! My roommate and I were keeping each other on a pretty tight budget, so that we had extra lira to spend on things like train tickets, shoes…and, of course, vino!
As we figured out how to feed ourselves for the very minimal amount possible – while getting a bit of nutrition in – we chose “ceci”! Yes, the humble little garbanzo bean was our dinner staple of choice. We ate them hot, cold, with pasta and without. But I don’t think we went a day without them. And we NEVER got sick of them! To this day, they are on my list of desert island foods!
Fast forward a few years while I was at the University of Texas studying to be a dietitian – it turns out our little chick peas were, in fact, full of health benefits! These convenient little legumes are high in soluble fiber and complex carbs, and a great source of protein. In fact, due to their “superfood” properties, beans and legumes are highlighted as playing a role in the prevention of a host of diseases including diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
As you’ll learn from my blog, I’m all about highlighting those wonderful whole foods that we should all be including MORE of in our diet, and I lessen the emphasis on those we should live without. For the most part, you’ll find my philosophy to be moderation is key – with a ZERO GUILT ALLOWED policy! We are all hard enough on ourselves! Let’s live our best, healthiest lives an enjoy every moment!
XO Kendra
