QUINOA

I get asked a lot about what is "clean eating." Basically it is eating as close as possible to  mother nature, and choosing the right foods for your body. I usually get the excuse "but eating healthy is so expensive." Well, it isn't really and how much is your health worth to you??

Here are some benefits and recipes of quinoa. This is an inexpensive clean eating item that is very versatile, family and gluten free friendly!! Give it a try!!

CONTAINS 8 ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS, A COMPLETE PROTEIN SOURCE

HIGH IN FIBER- REDUCING HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE AND CHOLESTEROL

LOW GLYCEMIC INDEX- MAINTAINS A STABLE BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL

COMPLEX CARB FOR ENERGY

RICH IN MAGNESIUM- RELAXES BLOOD VESSELS, IMPROVES BONES AND TEETH

GLUTEN FREE

GOOD SOURCE OF CALCIUM HELPING BONES, TEETH, HEART, NERVE AND MUSCLE FUNCTION.

CONTAINS OTHER MINERALS THAT BENEFIT THE HEART, NERVES, AND MUSCLE FUNCTION

HIGH IN IRON INCREASING ENERGY, CONCENTRATION AND STABILIZES YOUR MOOD

ANTIOXIDANT- HELPS PREVENT ILLNESS AND DISEASE

Quinoa Stir Fry!
Source: JennaBlogs.com
Serves: 4-6

2 cups quinoa, rinsed well
2 cups water
2 cups finely chopped and peeled carrots
3/4 cup chopped cilantro
4 cloves of garlic, minced
3 Tablespoons finely chopped chives
1 teaspoon grated ginger
5 Tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
2 teaspoons sriracha
2 Tablespoons vegetable oil, DIVIDED

OPTIONAL: Grilled chicken breast, eggs, snow peas etc.

Directions:

Rinse quinoa well. This removes that waxy, nutty taste. Add quinoa and water to a pot. Bring to boil, reduce to simmer. Cook about 15-20 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and quinoa is cooked through. Fluff with a fork. Set aside.

Mix soy sauce and sriracha together and set aside.

Add 1 Tablespoon oil to a skillet or wok. Add your carrots. Salt and pepper them, and cook over medium-high heat stirring frequently. Cook about 4 minutes and then add ginger and garlic. Cook 1-2 more minutes. Remove to a bowl and set aside. Heat remaining 1T of oil in the skillet/wok. Add your quinoa. Stir fry the quinoa for about 3-4 minutes, then add your carrot mixture back in. Cook another couple of minutes and then add in your soy sauce mixture. Cook another 1-2 minutes.

Remove from heat, and place quinoa in a bowl. Stir in your cilantro and chives.

Serve warm.

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bake
(serves 2-4)

• 1 1/2 Cups (160g) Fuji or Granny Smith Apples - cored and chopped (peeled or unpeeled, depending on preference)
• 1 Cup (160g) Quinoa
• 1/3 Cup (60g) Raisins
• 2 1/2 Cups So Delicious^® Almond Plus Milk (OR So Delicious^® Coconut Milk Beverage)
• 1/2 Tbsp (7g) Coconut Oil
• 2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• Pinch of Nutmeg
• 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
• 2-3 (20g) Pitted Dates (optional, for sweetening/add'l sweetening of the almond milk)

For the Topping:

• Maple Cinnamon Pumpkin Seeds (see below)
• So Delicious Vanilla Cultured Coconut Milk or Vanilla Greek-Style Cultured Coconut Milk

---