I have been looking into this topic to find out more about it. I can't find anything written by Dave Ramsey on the topic that I can get into for FREE. Some blogs that I have read go as far back as 2006 are saying that his followers are taking it literally that you must eat them at every meal. I can't find out that if this is the case but I would fine it very boring but if I had too because I didn't have other foods then so be it.
Economically it a good idea if you had very little money for the week or two. To buy just rice and beans can be expensive if go about it the wrong way, both in health wise and moneywise.
Buying rice can be expensive if you buy fancy pre-cook ones or one minute packets that cook for one meal. This challenge calls for the bulk purchase of rice, the larger the better. Long grain, Basmati or brown rice is better choice. Brown rice will spoil quicker than white rice so buy less of this but it's the best choice. So do, do your maths on this one, unit price per pound of the value each bag of rice. No good buy 50lbs bag of rice if you haven't the place to store it or you need that money in another area of your budget. I'm thinking in small amounts but larger than just enough for the next meal. (I personally buy in 2 to 5 kilo lots of Long grain or Basmati.) With this challenge you can't afford to buy all the fancy kinds of rice, just one or two varieties only and be creative with it.
Buying beans can be expensive too! If you are in the habit of buying only canned beans and not taking the time to learn to cook them from scratch. So try buying DRIED Beans in larger quantity where you can. I buy them in 1 kilo or 2.2lbs of each at a time and having a number of varieties in the pantry so I don't tire of eating the same kind.
Is there another way of putting variety into this challenge, yes I think so. First off you will need to take stock of what in your pantry, freezer and refrigerator. Make a list of what's there and try to use this food you have already paid for, by incorporating it into the Beans and Rice Diet Challenge.
Start with a meal plan for the next week using as much food that you found without going the supermarket but still having at least one meal per day of beans and rice. As for only having beans and rice combined which does make
One can of beans equal about 2 cup of cooked beans after you rinse and drain them.
As for cooking the beans it's best that you cook and freeze beans if possible so that you can use the many recipes that have can beans as an ingredient. It best that you freeze beans in serving sizes (I personally freeze in 2 cups lots.)
How to Use Dried Beans
Links
Bean Prep & Recipe Tips
New American Plate
Nutrition & Health FAQ
More to come soon!
October 28th, 2010 at 03:06 pm 1288274762
Along with the rice and beans, I serve a salad and corn bread. I generally freeze my beans as well.
October 28th, 2010 at 04:58 pm 1288281504
October 28th, 2010 at 05:42 pm 1288284153
I have not tried this with rice. I think it would be better for brown or black rice than a polished rice which might become water logged. Nor have I tried it with any larger legumes.
Use a thermos bottle, preferably a large one. Fill it with nearly full water to measure the amount of water needed. Pour the water into your stove-top kettle to boil. When boiling, fill your thermos and cap it for a couple of minutes. This is to preheat the thermos. Now pour the same water back into the kettle and bring it back to boiling. Meanwhile, add a 1/2 to 1 cup lentils (or small grain) to your thermos. You can add salt now, too. I recommend not to put any dried spices in unless you have a wide-mouth thermos which will make cleaning it easy. Add boiling water again, recap and set aside for 5-6 hours, at which point your food will be done. Pour off water, drain if you like.
This is nice for having a small amount of lentils to add to a salad, a pasta, or rice dish.
October 28th, 2010 at 07:38 pm 1288291097
I will look into this and post in a future blog. I do think that this theory has changed over time.
October 29th, 2010 at 03:57 am 1288321033
If I recall, the idea of needing a "complete protein" was shown to be false.
Here's a link with a discussion of the question.
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20071110140215AAAN5kZ
October 30th, 2010 at 01:42 am 1288399363
I think the NOLS cookbook is ideal for budget eating. It is based on cooking with basic bulk ingredients. I am thinking about expanding into that area after the first of the year.
NOLS is the National Outdoor Leadership School. The cookbook is "NOLS Cookery (National Outdoor Leadership School)" It teaches how to cook in the wilderness.