For MOMS, MOMS-TO-BE and TODDLERS 18 MONTHS+
I’ll be the first to admit that snacking on chips, crackers, and the like has never really been my thing. This is especially true as I’ve gotten older and have become more and more educated in the field of nutrition and learned how the food we eat should be functional and not merely eaten because it tastes good (although that is obviously really important too!).
However, as I’ve become a mom, and now have a toddler who is constantly on-the-go, it’s not always feasible to make a full-blown meal every time I get hungry, or to prepare something ahead of time that I can bring with us when we are out. And while I still always try to make my snacks healthy options, finding ones that fulfill both my taste bud’s cravings, as well as my nutritional needs, isn’t all that easy either.
That is why I’ve become so infatuated with The Good Bean and their lines of Roasted Chickpeas and Bean Chips. Filled with protein and fiber, and available in a wide-array of flavors, their products taste amazing, are perfect for on-the-go, and are surprisingly good for you as well!
THE PRODUCT: The Good Bean is a snack food company dedicated to developing, distributing, and marketing healthy, innovative, bean-based snacks. First launching in 2010 with their line of All-Natural Roasted Chickpea Snacks, The Good Bean has grown from their 4 initial flavors to 7, ranging from Sea Salt and Sweet Cinnamon, to Mesquite BBQ and Thai Coconut.
The Good Bean has also just come out with a new line of Bean Chips, featuring Sweet Potato and Quinoa. Crispy, tortilla-style chips made for snacking and dipping, these chips are packed with protein thanks to their blend of chickpeas, navy beans, red lentils, and pea protein, and as mentioned above, sweet potatoes and red quinoa. Available in 5 deliciously addicting flavors, including Sweet Chili and BBQ Bacon – both of which are vegan – these Bean Chips are surprisingly healthy, so you won’t feel bad eating half the bag!
With all of The Good Bean products being non-GMO, they are also gluten-free, nut-free, corn-free, high in protein and fiber, and low in fat. Plus, as a company, The Good Bean takes pride in their Fair Trade initiatives (a global movement to alleviate poverty in ways that are economically, socially and environmentally sustainable), as well as their Good Manufacturing Practices (ensuring their equipment is cleaned and tested for food allergens before production begins), proving that they are a company that is not just in it for their own benefit, but truly care about their customers and society as a whole.
NUTRITION-WISE: With The Good Bean, you never have to worry about their foods being overly-engineered, or filled with anything artificial. You can also be certain that all of their products are Gluten-free, Nut-free, Kosher, Non-GMO, and [many are] Vegan.
Using chickpeas as their mainstay ingredient, these noble little beans are naturally high in fiber, a good source of protein, and low in fat. This makes them a great snack for anyone who wants a tasty, filling snack that gives them energy and good nutrition. Now add delicious spices and seasonings to them, and each serving of The Good Bean’s Roasted Chickpea Snacks contain as much protein as almonds, as much fiber as two cups of broccoli, and as much folate as three cups of spinach!
Even growing chickpeas is full of benefits, as they actually help to make soil healthier. Chickpea crops put nourishing nitrogen back into land that has been overworked and depleted of nutrients, which is why farmers often use chickpea crops as a “rotation” crop (cycling a harvest at some point in the year to give their lands some TLC).
Coming in at around 120 calories, 30 of which are from healthy fats, you will also find around 5 grams of fiber, 5 grams of protein and 1-6 grams of sugar per serving, depending on which flavor of Roasted Chickpeas you choose.
The Good Bean’s Bean Chips are also pretty darn good for you (especially compared to your typical tortilla chips), and come in at 130 calories per serving, 50 of which are from fats. They also contain around 2-3 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of sugar, depending on which flavor you select.
*Filled with good-for-you ingredients, high in both fiber and protein, and low in sugar, The Good Bean’s Roasted Chickpeas and Bean Chips are great for Moms, Moms-to-be, and Toddlers 18 months+. I say 18 months because the Chickpeas are pretty crunchy and your kids will definitely need a good set of chompers on them in order to be able to effectively chew them. However, the chips could be eaten by younger ones, if you so desire, just be aware that several of the flavors do contain dairy if you are one who avoids it.
WHERE TO BUY: The Good Bean products can be purchased directly through their website, or to find the retail location nearest you, please visit their Store Locator.
FINAL THOUGHTS: When it comes to snacking and finding foods that are not only easy and convenient, but are healthy too, it can be difficult. Especially when looking for something on the more savory or salty side. I mean, it seems like the majority of “health snacks” out there are some sort-of fruit and/or nut based bar, filled with dates and other sweet ingredients, with little to be found to curb your other savory-induced cravings.
This is particularly true when you are looking for a snack to give you some extra protein. And while hard-boiled eggs and almonds (or other nuts) are always a good choice, they can get a little monotonous after awhile.
That is why I am so glad to have discovered The Good Bean and their line of bean-based chips and crunchy chickpea snacks. Filled with protein and available in a wide range of flavors, they really do have an option to satisfy every craving, and are an excellent alternative to standard snacks such as chips, nuts, pretzels and popcorn.
So, if you [are like me] and think that you aren’t a “chip person” either, then I’m sure you haven’t tried the ones from The Good Bean! I’ll admit, I’ve become kind-of obsessed with their Sweet Chili Bean Chips as they mix just the right amount of sweetness and heat into one crunchy, tasty bite! And I’m also pretty in love with their Mesquite BBQ Chickpeas as well. (Can you tell I like things spicy?!)
Try any or all of The Good Bean products today and see for yourself how amazingly delicious bean-based snacks can be.
To learn more about The Good Bean and to try them out for yourself, please visit their website and check them out on Facebook.
And remember, Contact Healthy.Fit.Fab…Moms today to create a personalized plan so you and your family can live a healthy, fit, and fabulous life!
