I.M.120 Helping you to BE YOUR BEST SELF

Finding an alternative to "rice, pasta, potato or bread" can be a challenge for some. Quinoa is a great substitute. It has the consistency of rice, cooked like rice, and can take on the flavor of whatever your cooking with. Hint - it can be bland, so using stocks and spices is helpful. Make a batch on the weekend and you can enjoy it all week by changing the ingredients. 

What is Quinoa? It's a species of goosefoot, is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a member of the true grass family. 

Why should I be impressed with it? A half cup of cooked Quinoa delivers 112 calories, 1.7g fat, 18g carbs, 3g fiber, and 4g protein. Some people have asked then why don't I just eat brown rice if it's pretty close to Quinoa but just has a few less grams of protein. A major factor is the glycemic load. If your not familiar with the glycemic load, I suggest you read about it and become familiar with it. By changing they types of itemes you eat within a category can greatly enhance your health and lead to weight loss. The glycemic load of Quinoa is a 9, the brown rice counter part a 17!

Cook Quinoa according to directions. Each recipe makes one serving.

1/2 cup cooked Quinoa + a recipe below:

Nutty and Crispy
3 tbsp cooked chickpeas + 1/4 cup grated carrot + 2 tsp toasted pine nuts + 2 tbsp chopped fresh parley

Summer Love
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice + 2 tbsp dried currants + 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill + 1/4 fresh squash ribbons + 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds

Tomato and Avocado
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes + 1/4 cup sliced avacodo + 3 tbsp fresh cilantro + 3/4 extra-virgin olive oil

Dried Cherries and Pistachios
1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil + 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice + 2 tbsp dried cherries + 2 tbsp dry-roasted pistachios chopped + 1 tsp chopped fresh mint + 1 tsp chopped fresh parsley

Options - add in 3 ounces of your favorite lean white meat or fish. Vegetarian or Vegan? Try extra beans for protein.

Eating healthy requires work, we all know that. So find out what works for you and have it stocked in your cabinets so you'll never be caught off guard. Good Luck!