Crazy for Quinoa: Nutty Cranberry Quinoa Pilaf

I’m crazy for quinoa because it has become my best ally in my efforts to eat well and also

lose a few pounds.

If you have not tried quinoa yet, and are trying to stick with your weight loss goals, then

this may be the perfect food to add to your diet.

Because of the high amounts of protein and fiber, as well as the low glycemic index and low

calories, you will feel full while reaching your healthy weight loss goals.

Originally from the heart of South America, quinoa is not a grain; it is a seed.

If sprouted and grown, quinoa would resemble plants in the spinach family–dark leafy greens.

This ancient food has tons of health benefits that have been passed down from generation

to generation; like a plant family heirloom of delicious nutrition.

Quinoa is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, which leaves you feeling satisfied, not deprived,

making it the perfect diet food–especially on a plant-based diet.

The reason is due to the nutrient dense package.

Picture a nutrition powerhouse packed into a tiny seed.

Because of this, quinoa is becoming popular as a grain alternative and weight loss food.

Let’s take a look at why quinoa seems to have been specifically designed for people who

want to eat healthier and simpler at the same time.

Nutrition

Just like spinach, quinoa seeds are rich in all the essential amino acids, making it a complex protein.

You’ll also find quinoa to be a good source of magnesium and calcium.

Quinoa is also high in iron and vitamin B 12 which are essential for energy production and weight loss.

The family of B vitamins control your body’s ability to synthesize nutrients efficiently, meaning if

you lack vitamin B you will actually work against your body’s own natural weight loss mechanisms.

Satisfying

If you have ever tried to lose weight conventionally, you quickly understand how empty you

feel most of the day.

This feeling of never being satisfied is one of the biggest hurdles to overcome when you are

trying to lose weight.

If you know what I am talking about, then quinoa just may be the answer to your dilemma.

Protein and dietary fiber are known to help the body feel full and satisfied.

Quinoa is rich in both, helping the dieter feel full while still maintaining weight loss goals.

Low Glycemic Index Value

Quinoa is low on the glycemic index which means quinoa doesn’t cause a sharp jump in

blood sugar.

Your blood sugar levels control cravings.

What does that mean?

It means that when you eat a food high on the glycemic index, your blood sugars are elevated

quickly, and then crash.

Then your body sends messages to your brain to eat more sugar and carbohydrates to bring

your blood sugar back up again.

Eating foods on the low glycemic index (slow and steady blood sugar) means instead of craving

bread and candy, you can go about your day eating normally.

Again, slow and steady blood sugar levels are important for so many reasons.

And quinoa fits the bill.

Low Calorie

Quinoa is also low in calories.

One serving of cooked quinoa contains about 170 calories, which may seem like a lot, but one

serving of quinoa is also an impressive amount of food.

You could eat three servings of quinoa and still have fewer calories than one serving of pasta.

This is a great thing if you are on a diet because you don’t have to worry about over-eating your

quinoa and blowing your entire day’s worth of calories on one meal.

Let’s Cook Some Quinoa!

Have you ever cooked up a batch of quinoa and now have a mountain of it sitting in the fridge?

It’s easy to do because no one ever realizes how much a small amount of dry quinoa actually makes.

It’s easy to go overboard when you make this delicious, protein packed seed.

And, making extra quinoa is also a great way to plan ahead for future meals.

Having quinoa cooked and ready in the refrigerator is a definite plus when you’re trying to throw

together a nutritious meal in minutes for your family.

Once you have your quinoa ready, what do you do with it?

With just a few simple and basic ideas, you can transform your stockpile of quinoa into wonderful

meals for your family like this healthy and delicious Nutty Cranberry Quinoa Pilaf.

Nutty Cranberry Quinoa Pilaf

Serves 6

Ingredients

3 cups cooked organic quinoa

1 cup organic carrots – grated

1/2 cup organic scallions – thinly sliced

1/2 cup red onion – finely chopped

1 cup dried organic cranberries

1/2 cup raw almonds – sliced into slivers

1/2 cup cashews – halved

1-2 tablespoons coconut oil

1/2 teaspoon Himalayan sea salt

Directions

Add all of the ingredients to a large mixing bowl.

Toss it all together lightly with a large spoon.

Transfer to a covered glass storage bowl.

Set aside or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve warm as the grain entree for your meal.

Or serve cold as a quinoa salad on a bed of mesclun or arugula.

What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy quinoa?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.