Soybeans

Eating your soy does not mean tofu only.

Go straight to the source and do the beans.

Also known as edamame, soybeans are a quick way to add legumes to a meal.

Buy the shelled beans since they generally cost the same as the unshelled ones and there is more to eat.

Here are some ideas:

Soymole - edamame, cumin, fat-free sour cream/tofu, tomatoes, jalapeños (or use prepared salsa) ground together.

Burgers/Loaf - edamame, beans (pinto or black) ground together. Add onions, peppers, hot sauce or peppers. Bake or sauté (burgers). Top with herbs (cilantro or basil), cheese (low-fat, soy, rice) and put in a bun for burgers.

Salads - edamame, dried fruit (apricots, raisins, cranberries, etc.), crunchy veggies (onions, peppers, carrots, celery, cabbage, etc.), meat or meat substitutes. Toss with sour (e.g., vinegar, citrus juice), sweet (e.g., honey, agave). Add an herb (e.g., mint) or leafy green (e.g., watercress, arugula) and nuts. The combinations are endless.