I remember the look of absolute horror I gave my husband when he came home from the grocery store with a variety of beans for us to eat. Black beans. Kidney beans. Pinto beans. All of the beans. If you are reading this and also happen to struggle with digestive health challenges, you know exactly why I looked at him that way. I could literally feel my guts gurgling just by looking at the beans he brought home.
Fast forward a couple of years and I discovered how to avoid getting gurgle guts from beans, and today I’m going to show you the secret!
Lectins: A Natural Defense System
Beans, legumes, grains and nightshades vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, bell peppers, etc) all contain a protein called lectin. Lectins are a natural part of a plant’s defense system, and are generally inconsequential for those without digestive health trouble. However, for those with autoimmune and digestive health challenges consuming lectins can cause bloating, gassiness, painful and swollen joints, hormonal imbalances, brain fog and a host of other negative symptoms. Because of this sensitivity, many people end up having to avoid these nutrient-dense foods or they will end up suffering the consequences. The great news is that you can use your Instant Pot to reduce lectins, decrease your reactivity to these foods and potentially add them back into your diet.
The Secret to Busting Lectins: Pressure Cooking
Check out this informative video from Dr. Steven Gundry on how pressure cooking may be the answer to allowing you to start eating some of your favorite lectin-containing foods again!
Enter the Instant Pot
The modern-day pressure cookers are not the same as the one your Grandma used to use. The Instant Pot is an extremely versatile kitchen tool that not only serves as a pressure cooker, but also a slow cooker, rice cooker, saute pan, steamer, sterilizer and even a yogurt maker! Pressure cooking lectin-containing foods means that there is a good chance you will be able to eat the delicious Mexican rice and beans recipe I used to dress up the taco bowls from my latest Meal Prep Monday in the AKOS Nutrition Group on Facebook.
AKOS Nutrition Instant Pot Mexican Beans and Rice
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 (15oz) can of organic black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup uncooked whole grain rice (basmati, brown, pink), rinsed
1 1/2 cups water
3/4 cup salsa
1 bay leaf
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp garlic salt
juice of 1 lime
Directions
- Add beans, rice, water, salsa and all spices to the instant pot.
- Place the lid at make sure the valve is set to “sealing”.
- Press the manual pressure button and set for 22 minutes.
- After cooking time is up, let natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Discard the bay leaf, add in lime juice and stir well.
- Use to make the taco bowls below!
AKOS Nutrition Taco Bowls
Serves 4
Ingredients
1 lb. ground beef, browned, drained of grease and seasoned with taco seasoning of your choice.
1-2 heads of romaine lettuce or greens or your choice
1 tomato, diced
1-2 avocados, sliced
Salsa, optional
Almond/Coconut Milk Yogurt (Plain), optional
AKOS Nutrition Instant Pot Mexican Beans and Rice, optional
Directions
- Place a bed of greens into a bowl and top with 1/4 of the ground beef.
- Top with beans and rice, avocado, salsa, tomato, and yourt (sour cream substitute!)
- Enjoy!
