12/01/2025
I love these little side by side nutrient comparisons like this one from VeryWell health!
Very often patients ask about specific foods or food groups and their role in weight-loss or fighting inflammation. While one particular food item is rarely going to “solve” a weight-problem or counteract an inflammatory diet; expanding your understanding of what some good options are & why is a great thing!
Peas 🫛 are generally considered part of the legume family and would be a good choice to serve as the starch/vegetable portion on your plate. Choosing a starchy vegetable/legume vs a grain-based starch is often a good way to get more fiber, protein, vitamins & minerals (though grains have nutrients too!).
You will often see Pea Protein as a main ingredient in Vegan Protein powders… While Pea Protein is considered a “complete” protein (meaning it contains all 9 essential protein amino acids), it may have a lower concentration of some of them as compared to animal/whey-based proteins.
For weight-management, peas are more substantial/filling though do contain more Calories/Carbs than the non-starchy vegetable green beans- so stick to a 1/2- 1 Cup serving for a meal. Green beans are a great option (esp for picky veggie eaters) to fill up more of your plate with low-calorie vegetables, (1-2 cup serving).
So if your goal is to eat healthier sources of carbs and to sneak in more Protein/Fiber outside of meat and supplements, swapping/adding peas as your starch is a great choice. And if you are aiming to stick to a very low-carb (Keto) or very low-calorie diet for weight-loss, an extra serving of green beans to fill up on makes sense.
🫛 🫘 🍌 🍕 Above all, with the right portions/servings for your Caloric needs, all foods fit!!
Green beans and peas are good choices for a healthy eating plan. However, peas contain more fiber, protein, and some vitamins.