Unsure how to incorporate beans into your diet? Take some tips from a Clean Eating-approved expert.

Scientists with the Agricultural Research Service found that eating half a cup of cooked dry beans daily helped to lower total cholesterol levels in their study participants. Unsure how to incorporate beans into your diet? Beverly Price, MA, RYT, a registered dietitian, exercise physiologist and creator of the Reconnect with Food program, lists a few fun ways to get the legume into your food.

Looking for something to grab on the go? Top whole-grain tortillas with a sassy blend of homemade refried beans, dairy-free sour cream and vegan cream cheese.
Another tasty suggestion: Pinto beans can be whirled in your food processor with sour cream, low-fat cheese, olive oil, cumin, garlic and cayenne pepper. Top with chopped tomato, green onions and olives. Serve chilled or warm.

Although higher in calories than most vegetables, legumes come out much more favorably when compared to steak or even chicken breast. Combine garbanzo beans and great northern beans with a touch of tahini, lemon juice and chopped garlic in a food processor. Spread on a whole-wheat pita, then top with parsley and tomato for a nice, light dish!

Instead of meat, try soy crumbles along with black beans for a twist. Since black beans are among the highest in fiber, they fill you up, not out. They are also very rich in iron, calcium, thiamin, copper, vitamin B6, folacin, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and potassium. Add a little cayenne pepper to the mix to boost your metabolism and you’re set!