Keto And Beans: A Bad Soup Combination?

Beans are a staple in many diets and cuisines, but how do they fit into a keto diet? The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that can be challenging to navigate due to its restrictive nature. While beans are known for being nutritious and healthy, they are often high in carbohydrates, which can be a concern for those following a keto diet. This is especially true for certain types of beans, such as white kidney beans and pinto beans, which have extremely high-calorie counts even in small servings. However, there are ways to enjoy beans while staying within keto guidelines, such as using low-carb substitutes like black soybeans, which have a similar taste and texture to regular beans.

Ham Beans 15 Bean Soup contains 11g net carbs per serving

A 35g dry serving of Ham Beans 15 Bean Soup contains 11g of net carbs, which falls within the standard keto diet guidelines. This means that the soup can be considered keto-friendly.

The total carbohydrate content of the soup is 22g per serving, according to the product's nutritional information. However, the net carb content is lower, at 11g per serving. Net carbs are calculated by subtracting fibre and sugar alcohols from the total carbohydrate count.

The keto diet typically restricts daily net carb intake to around 20-50g, depending on various factors such as a person's age, gender, and activity level. Therefore, Ham Beans 15 Bean Soup can be incorporated into a keto diet, as long as overall net carb consumption remains within the desired range.

It is important to note that the serving size for Ham Beans 15 Bean Soup is 35g dry, which equates to approximately 0.5 cups cooked. The net carb count of 11g applies specifically to this serving size. If an individual consumes a larger portion, the net carb intake will be higher, potentially impacting their keto diet.

Black soybeans are a keto-friendly substitute for beans

Beans are often considered a healthy food, as they are rich in fibre, protein, and healthy fats. However, they are usually too high in carbs to fit into a keto diet. For example, a 1/2 cup serving of Ham Beans 15 Bean Soup contains 11g of net carbs, which is relatively high.

If you are on a keto diet and craving beans, black soybeans are a great keto-friendly substitute. They are soybeans with a black exterior and a milder, more bean-like taste than regular soybeans. They are low in carbs and loaded with protein and fibre, making them extra filling. A 1/2 cup serving of black soybeans contains only 5g of net carbs, compared to upwards of 30g of net carbs in a serving of regular beans.

Black soybeans are a versatile ingredient that can be used in any dish that calls for beans. They are especially great in chilli, with tacos, or to make refried beans. You can purchase them online, either canned or dried. When cooking with dried black soybeans, be sure to sort them, then soak them overnight and rinse them well before cooking. If using canned black soybeans, be sure to rinse them well after opening the can, as they are canned in a seaweed-based liquid that has a strong odour.

Black soybeans are a fantastic way to enjoy your favourite bean dishes while sticking to your keto diet.

Hurst's HamBeens 15 Bean Soup is keto-friendly

The soup is also low in fat and high in fibre, and it can be made on a stove top, in a slow cooker, or in a pressure cooker. It's a convenient and tasty option for those on the keto diet, with many customers praising its flavour and ease of use.

One review on Amazon says:

> "Hands down the easiest & tastiest soup/stew ever! I add smoked ham hock for a bit of meat, but you don’t need it... The spice packet is perfect."

However, some customers have criticised the product for being expensive for a bag of soup beans.

It's important to note that while Hurst's HamBeens 15 Bean Soup is keto-friendly, it's always recommended to track your macros and daily food consumption to ensure you stay within your desired carb range. This is especially important if you plan to add other ingredients to the soup, as this will increase the carb count.

Beans are not considered keto-friendly due to high carb content

Beans are a nutritious food with several health benefits. They are high in protein, fibre, and vitamins, including thiamine, magnesium, and iron. However, they are not considered keto-friendly due to their high carbohydrate content.

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. It involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat, which becomes the primary energy source for the body. This shift in macronutrient ratios puts the body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where it burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. To achieve and maintain ketosis, it is crucial to keep carbohydrate consumption as low as possible.

Most types of beans have a high carbohydrate content. For example, a half-cup serving of Ham Beans 15 Bean Soup contains 20g of total carbohydrates, including 11g of net carbs. Similarly, a one-cup serving of black beans contains 41g of carbohydrates, and pinto beans have 45g of carbs per cup. These carb counts are significantly higher than the recommended daily carb intake on a keto diet, which is typically between 20-50g of total carbs per day.

While beans offer many nutritional benefits, their high carb content can quickly push you over your daily limit on a keto diet. Therefore, if you are strictly following a keto diet, it is best to limit or avoid beans altogether. However, if you enjoy beans and want to include them in your diet, there are a few low-carb options, such as green beans, black soybeans, and edamame, that can be consumed in moderation while still maintaining ketosis. Additionally, you can consider keto cycling, which involves following a ketogenic diet for a few days and then taking a break to consume higher levels of carbohydrates, including beans, for a day.

Carbohydrates in beans are too high to be included in a standard ketogenic diet

The keto diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet that restricts carbohydrates and prioritises fats to transition the body into a state of "ketosis". Ketosis is when the body starts using fat as its primary energy source, which can lead to increased energy and weight loss. Most people on a keto diet aim to eat 50 grams or fewer total carbs per day, or no more than 25 grams of net carbs (total carbs minus fibre and sugar alcohols).

Beans are a great source of protein and fibre and offer essential vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. However, they also contain a significant amount of carbohydrates, which can make it challenging to include them in a keto diet.

A half-cup serving of 15 Bean Soup contains 20 grams of total carbohydrates and 11 grams of net carbs. This is a relatively high amount of carbs for a keto diet and could quickly use up your daily carb allowance.

While it is theoretically possible to eat any food on a keto diet as long as it doesn't push you past your net carb limit, the allowance is so low that it is not reasonable to include high-carb foods like beans. Therefore, it is generally recommended to avoid beans on a standard ketogenic diet due to their high carbohydrate content.

However, there are some low-carb beans, such as green beans and black soybeans, that can be enjoyed in moderation on a keto diet. These beans have significantly lower carb counts and can be incorporated into your meals without risking kicking you out of ketosis.

Additionally, there are several low-carb alternatives to beans that you can use in recipes. These include mushrooms, eggplant, avocado, ground meat, and boiled peanuts. These substitutes can help you create keto-friendly versions of your favourite bean dishes without sacrificing taste or texture.

In conclusion, while beans offer many nutritional benefits, their carbohydrate content makes them challenging to include in a standard ketogenic diet. If you choose to include beans, stick to low-carb options like green beans and black soybeans, and always monitor your portion sizes and total carb intake to ensure you stay within your keto limits.

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