Benefits of Grains while Healing on the Bean Protocol
When you’re healing on the bean protocol, it may feel like there are many restrictions, but the good news is that there are benefits of grains, at least for most people. I’ll help you understand who should continue to eat grains!
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Whole Grain vs. Refined Grains
The difference between whole grain and refined grains is how it is processed. Whole grains contain the processing that maintains the bran and germ and the endosperm, which holds many nutrients. Processing refined grains removes the bran and germ, leaving behind the endosperm, which is easier for the body to digest.
I believe both serve a purpose in our daily diet and that everyone should test and experiment with what works best for their body. Ultimately, if you’re getting in vegetables, animal protein (or a sufficient substitute), and beans, most people can still maintain health - this is seen by many cultures worldwide.
Benefits of Grains
If you’re working out, you need grains!
The key to healing on the Bean Protocol is rest! But this doesn’t mean you need to be sedentary. It just means to stay away from intense cardio, cross-fit, interval training - anything that leaves you exhausted. Instead, you’ll want to swap HIIT workouts with low-impact exercises.
Whether you’re walking daily or doing pilates a few times a week, you’ll notice that your body is craving two things: protein and grains. Protein is essential for recovery and muscle growth, and whole grains are carbohydrates that the body turns into glucose which gives you that extra energy you need to make it through the day or your workout.
After my first month back at pilates, I feel ravenous, and increasing protein and grains not only satisfies me but fuels me!
If you’re Vegan
Without animal protein, vegans and vegetarians need to complete the animal protein profile. The best way to replicate the animal protein profile is to combine one serving of whole grains mixed with at least two beans or lentils varieties. Whole grains like hemp hearts and brown rice are great substitutes when animal proteins aren’t available.
My boyfriend is a long-time vegan, and when he doesn’t have his whole grains, he’s low-energy, and his focus is slightly impaired if you want to stay alert and energized, make sure to have at least three servings palm-sized servings of a mix between whole grains and beans.
If you’re craving grains, eat them!
I am not under any circumstance a purist to the Bean Protocol. On the contrary, I genuinely believe that beans are needed at least for one meal a day, but if your body is craving your favorite grain, even from processed foods, I think it’s best to honor that craving and then pay attention to how those grains make you feel.
If they immediately make you feel worse, experiment with having less. If eating grains still make you feel awful, then it’s probably not a good idea to keep eating them.
I believe that most societal influences make us feel like we are incapable of learning what’s good for our body - and we think we have to cut some foods labeled as bad forever. But these influences exist so big corporations can make money off of your insecurities (why else is the weight loss industry worth $78 Billion). The truth is, you absolutely know how to nourish yourself, and you just need to start listening to your body and any intuitive light bulbs that you may have.
Plus, having some chips, rice, or bread doesn’t mean you’ve diminished your healing progress. It just means you’re honoring your body and cravings, and if they don’t make you feel well or cause a flare, you’re learning what your body can or can’t consume - and that is badass!
If you’re trying to lose weight
Karen Hurd recommends not have any grains if you’re trying to lose weight and increase the number of vegetable servings (particularly negative calorie veggies) and bean servings to fulfill hunger.
Next, add 30 minutes of walking a day should help you lose weight. I, however, believe that it’s better to incorporate full-body, low-impact exercise like pilates or yoga as this not only allows you to become stronger but doesn’t exhaust you!
If you want to lose weight, I recommend working with a Health professional specializing in Health at Every Size to guide you on your weight loss journey.
Will you have grains on The Bean Protocol?
Ultimately I believe grains are necessary to stay strong and healthy, especially when you’re active. So whatever decision you make, know that you’re totally capable of having grains and won’t ruin your healing journey!
Still got TBP questions? Get the answers here to the most commonly asked questions about the Bean Protocol.
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