255: Beans - A Superfood of Flavor with Food Blogger Nora Bordeau

The episode features Nora Bordeau of Balancing Bowls, a former collegiate rower and food blogger focused on practical bean- and lentil-based cooking for families and athletes. They discuss types of beans and lentils, nutrition benefits (protein, complex carbs, fiber, micronutrients, antioxidants), and how beans can count as multiple food groups.

They cover convenience, affordability, accessibility, and how to use canned versus dried beans (soaking, rinsing, cooking tips). They address gas and bloating, fiber tolerance, and strategies like gradual intake increases and discarding soaking liquid. Nora shares recipe ideas including bean salads, crispy chickpeas, stuffed peppers, brothy beans, pizza spreads, and using blended beans to create creamy soups.

Nora Bourdeau is the creator of Balancing Bowls, a food blog focused on balanced, practical cooking with a special passion for beans and lentils. A former college athlete, Nora brings a grounded, food-first perspective to nourishment, strength, and sustainability in the kitchen, helping women fuel their lives with confidence and flexibility.

Episode Highlights:

• 01:22 Period Pain Sponsor
• 03:00 Meet Nora Bourdeau
• 04:28 Why Beans Became The Focus
• 06:36 Athlete Background And Fueling
• 08:14 Bean Prep Stories And Tips
• 10:19 Beans And Lentils Explained
• 18:02 Nutrition Benefits Breakdown
• 22:47 Protein And Meal Ideas
• 26:40 Convenience Pantry Wins
• 31:08 RED-Ss Check In And Resources
• 33:07 RED-S Recovery Membership
• 33:40 Canned Beans Myths
• 34:52 Dried Beans Basics
• 36:04 Soaking and Cooking Tips
• 38:32 Brothy Beans and Soups
• 40:32 Busy Night Flexibility
• 44:20 Gas and Bloating Fixes
• 53:47 Favorite Bean Recipes
• 01:00:36 More Resources and Wrap

Resources and Links:

• Balancing Bowls Website
• Follow Balancing Bowls on Instagram
• For more information about the show, head to work with Lindsey on improving your nutrition, head to: http://www.lindseycortes.com/
• Join REDS Recovery Membership: http://www.lindseycortes.com/reds
• WaveBye Supplements – Menstrual cycle support code LindseyCortes for 15% off: http://wavebye.co
• Previnex Supplements – Joint Health Plus, Muscle Health Plus, plant-based protein, probiotics, and more; code CORTES15 for 15% off: previnex.com
• Female Athlete Nutrition Podcast Archive & Search Tool – Search by sport, condition, or topic: lindseycortes.com/podcast
• Female Athlete Nutrition Community – YouTube, Instagram @‌femaleathletenutrition, and private Facebook group

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