Super foods are super great and super trendy. The latest being quinoa. Quinoa, pronounced keen-wa, is a nutritional dream. It is said to carry magic powers that were understood and date all the way back to the Inca civilization. Vegetarians and vegans have long known about this, now you shall, too!
REASONS TO LOVE IT
To be clear quinoa is technically a seed. "It has an almost perfect balance and complete amino acid profile so makes it protein dense," says Jill Gardner, The Fat Controller. This is the best source of protein we know of that's not from meat. Here's Gardner's reasons to add it to your diet:
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Protein packed
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Gluten free
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Good choice for replacing carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, cous cous and rice
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High in calcium and iron
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Good source of vitamin E and several types of B vitamins
"This nutrient dense food is full of fiber, chock full of vitamins and minerals, and low in fat and calories. It boosts liver detoxification of waste, builds bone and helps brain function," says Charis Freiman-Mendel, author of Cook Your Way Through The S.A.T
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EASY TO COOK
The first step is to rinse your quinoa under cold water to remove the bitter saponin (outer covering of the grain.) Then follow, NutriFit founding director, Jackie Keller's recipe below and you'll be able to add it to any meal.
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After you rinse it, place it in a dry skillet for 5 minutes to toast it.
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Then, use 1 cup liquid to 1/2 cup of the grain and cook until the grains are translucent.
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It will increase about 3-4 times in volume, which is good because it's not inexpensive like most grains.
Tips for busy "Body Checklist" readers: "I would suggest making a large batch, freeze and later heat up and eat when desired," says Stephanie Keller Rohde, of End The Clutter ETC. It will last about 1 week in the fridge in an air tight container.
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Great base for grain/vegetable salads
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Add beans, chicken, fish or any other type of protein.
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Make it for breakfast by cooking it in fruit juice and add some fresh diced apples.
Want more recipes? Krista the community magager at SkinnyScoop offered up this list of 28 quinoa dishes.
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WHERE TO FIND IT
You're ready to try quinoa and just need to buy it. Start by looking in the rice aisle, then head to the "gluten-free" section next. There you're likely to find several other quinoa based products like crackers. If you don't have any luck there, head to the baking, breakfast, or ethnic aisles. When in doubt ask a clerk for help.
What's your favorite way to use quinoa? What aisle is it in at your grocery store?
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