If you're feeling the economic pinch, eat some beans!

Now we all know that meat is expensive per pound due to the amount of energy, land and water that are required to mass produce it.

But there are many other ways to get the protein we need along with a hefty dose of fibre, loads of antioxidants and tonnes of vitamins and minerals.

The best replacements for meat out there are legumes, beans, pulses or whatever else you want to call them.  They are all readily available at your grocery store and at a cost substantially cheaper than most meat products.

So during these "tough economic times" here is a recipe I found in an old fitness magazine that we can all enjoy (except for anyone in sniffing distance while you digest the loads of healthy fibre):

Bean Salad:

1-Can of Whole Green Beans

1-Can Garbanzo Beans (chick peas)

1-Can Kidney Beans

1-Cup of Whole Kernel Corn (frozen or canned)

1-Medium Onion (Chopped)

1/2 Cup of Salad Dressing (Home made is best): Something southwestern like is ideal

1/2 Cup of Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)

Directions:

Mix (stir) the beans, corn and onion in a bowl with the salad dressing in a large bowl and then refrigerate it.  You can eat it right away, but if you let it marinate over night it tastes so much better!

When ready to serve, spoon the bean mix onto some lettuce leaves and grate the cheddar cheese on top. You'll be amazed at how good it actually tastes and how full you are after wards.

And hopefully you're beans don't end up looking like this: