I’m a great procrastinator. In all things. This is no exception because I’ve been meaning to sing the praises of quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) for some time now. I’m sure you’ve heard of it, it was all over the news last year as a great new food to use in place of rice…well, let me tell you- it’s SO MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

This little gem is actually NOT a grain like many people assume. It’s not part of the grass family and has an unusually high protein content for a plant based food. This is what makes it truly unique and an absolute must for any Vegan or Vegetarian lifestyle.

Let’s take a look at 1 CUP of quinoa (or 3.5 oz) and some key facts:
** 16% of your daily value for Protein!
** Fat is 3.6 grams of 5% of daily value
** Packed with all the B Vitamins, particularly high in Folate at 19%, followed by Thiamin at 13%
** Iron is good at 15% of daily value
(REMEMBER THIS IS ALL IN 1 LITTLE CUP!)

There’s something different about the taste too; quinoa should have a little bite to it and not be all mushy. I get a bit of a nutty taste personally, NOTHING like rice…I love it in stir fry because it doesn’t soak up the sauce. I love using my leftover quinoa and making a salad; add veggies and seasoning, dressing and it holds up so well. All day.

There is a downside to all this…the price. Quinoa isn’t as affordable as I’d like but you know what? I’m going to keep stocking it because as a Veg, I need to look at alternate protein sources and I’m willing to spend a little more to get a quality food for my body.

If you haven’t tried quinoa yet, I urge you to do so. I cook it using 1 cup of quinoa (rinsed well) to 1 3/4 cup water….simmer for about 12-14 minutes UNCOVERED and stir every once in awhile. Once mine is cooked I throw in chopped green onions and some S & P…and go crazy.

Happy Eating….
Love Chere Michelle

I have to remind myself sometimes, when I’m feeling lazy that eating well isn’t hard work…if you make it simple. Over the years I have discovered several ways to help me eat better, prepare food faster and make it more convenient. Unless you love spending hours in the kitchen…lets face it, it IS all about convenience.

I always want veggies and dip…or salad. But I hate cutting up everything- especially after a long day and I’m tired and HUNGRY. I now buy all my veggies on one day of the week, usually Sunday because that’s just what works for me…I come home and spend less than an hour of my time cutting and chopping. I put everything into resealable containers, and even my lettuce is washed and ready to be thrown in a bowl. I don’t cut tomatoes obviously, as they would dry out, but everything else is fair game. I don’t soak my veggies in water either since all the nutrients will seep out into the liquid, but soak a paper towel or cloth napkin and lie on top or around the veggies. This keeps them crunchy! Now when I come home during the week, making a salad is as simple as dumping my lettuce in a bowl, and adding all the good stuff.

I always keep an array of stuff from the bulk section too. This section of the grocery store is your best friend. I buy nuts and seeds here, dried fruit and granola (among other things). I always top my salads with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and a dried fruit of some kind- I lean towards cranberries.

Another staple in my fridge is a mixture of beans and rice. I flip between flavors and cravings but currently it’s been Spanish rice and black beans. I cook up a pot and put in fridge and makes an excellent QUICK burrito or wrap- hot or cold. You could throw meat in of course, and whatever else your little heart desires. It’s all about taste and convenience.

I’m also big on chili. I think it’s a great thing to simmer on the stove on weekend day, mixing and adding all the yummy stuff you want…,make it as spicy as you want…or as mild. I make a huge batch and freeze into portions. It only gets better with time! I discovered a chili burrito with rice is also a great way to use it up…Basically when you make things like pasta sauce- make MORE. And then freeze into portions. Knowing you have that to come home to, instead of say, ripping open a bag of *shudder* Mr Noodles, can make all the difference.

(Yes I use the Yves Veggie Ground “Burger” for my chili! Adds my protein and bulks it up.)
All it takes is a little planning….a little time (and I do mean LITTLE time) to make sure you eat well and love what you’re eating. If you put the effort into it, your body will thank you.

Until next time,
Love Chere Michelle