Eating Beans and Feeling Bloated

sclaibo

Hi All!

I am new to this message board thing, but I thought I'd seek out your help. I LOVE red beans and rice, especially when I make it myself. But because I love it so much, I overeat it. I read that is is a good source of protein and fiber so I am trying to use it as one of the foods that I love to lose weight. This time I didn't make rice or cornbread and just had delicious beans. I have limited myself to half a cup, but I still feel bloated and gassy. I don't feel like I can lose weight when I am bloated. What can I do?

drmerc

Tried beano?

pastryari

but I still feel bloated and gassy. I don't feel like I can lose weight when I am bloated. What can I do?

Poop?

infamousmk

Being bloated has no bearing on weight loss.

auroranflash

Your body will get used to the extra fiber over time. Try to introduce more fiber gradually. You may feel puffy for a while but it won't keep you from losing weight. For your coworkers/SO's sake, though, you may want to keep the serving size down. :laugh:

like_milk

well, it is only gas, not fat. Just let it all out (if you're a lady, do it when no one is around )

cmriverside

Beans and rice are not bad choices. The bloat is temporary due to the high carbohydrates. . , if it's uncomfortable, eat smaller portions or stop eating them.

Fit_NYC_

The bloating and gas comes from a specific type of sugar in the beans. Humans lack the enzyme to break it down so microbes in the gut have a party... and well, you know the rest.

If you are using dry beans make sure you rinse the beans thoroughly and do not cook them in the rinsed water, as it will be filled with some of the stuff you're trying to get rid off. Soak the beans at room temperature and you can add a tiny bit of baking soda to further decrease the gas causing sugars.

If you are using canned beans, drain and rinse the beans. This should help reduce those sugars and you'll also eliminate all the sodium from that gooey liquid they come in.

Over time, as you're gut becomes more acclimated, it should get a bit better. If it's still an issue... try the suggestions above!

dorianaldyn

The bloating and gas comes from a specific type of sugar in the beans. Humans lack the enzyme to break it down so microbes in the gut have a party... and well, you know the rest.

If you are using dry beans make sure you rinse the beans thoroughly and do not cook them in the rinsed water, as it will be filled with some of the stuff you're trying to get rid off. Soak the beans at room temperature and you can add a tiny bit of baking soda to further decrease the gas causing sugars.

If you are using canned beans, drain and rinse the beans. This should help reduce those sugars and you'll also eliminate all the sodium from that gooey liquid they come in.

Over time, as you're gut becomes more acclimated, it should get a bit better. If it's still an issue... try the suggestions above!

Yep! I only recently started eating beans and I don't buy canned beans so I cook them myself. I soak them overnight, I dump all that water and rinse the beans thoroughly before refilling the pot to cook them (I actually wash the pot out too). I haven't really had any gas issues with the three pots of beans (2 pinto, 1 black) that I've cooked so far.

reklawn

If you're cooking dry beans, add a bay leaf or two to the water. This has helped me TONS plus it adds great flavor. Do you use brown rice? Quinoa might be helpful as well to substitute.

caribougal

Or, just try to eat sources of protein and fiber that you won't be inclined to overeat, and which don't cause as much gastric distress.

Like.... meat and vegetables and fruit.

sclaibo

Thanks u guys! I am measuring so I am trying not to overeat. I'm no longer eating beans with rice to cut down on carbs. I tried it with brown rice a couple months ago and it just isn't the same. But they r very good on their own. I've never soaked them before so I will try that next time. I always use a bay leaf so that doesn't do anything but add delicious flavor. But for now, beano is the way to go.