Boring Lunch Blues

Got the lunch blues? Sick of eating the same sandwich or salad day after day? Feeling like your lunch isn't giving you the energy to face the rest of your day?

(The Office Diet)

CHALLENGE: Mix up your lunch box and pack QUINOA this week!

Coming from South America QUINOA (pronounced KEEN-WA) was referred to as the 'mother of all grains'. Unlike other grains quinoa has a very high protein content (6g per serving), and contains essential amino acids making it one of the only grains to be a COMPLETE PROTEIN. Quinoa is gluten free and is also a great source of fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron (1). All this and it takes only 10 minutes to cook!

Despite these great facts, keep in mind quinoa is still a grain and a high source of carbohydrates, so consume in moderation.

Where do I find Quinoa? Check out the rice and couscous section of your grocery store.


My Favorite Organic Ancient Harvest Quinoa


Serve hot or cold and mix it up with different veggies and dressings. If you get bored with quinoa, substitute in 1 serving size of brown rice or couscous instead.

Here are some ideas that I've tried, but see what you have in your fridge and be creative!

Greek Quinoa:
1 serving quinoa, cooked as directed on pkg
chopped tomato
black olives
small crumbles of reduced fat feta cheese
chopped cucumber
pieces of artichoke hearts
drizzle lo-cal Greek dressing over

Italian Quinoa:
1 serving quinoa, cooked as directed on pkg
chopped tomato
chopped fresh basil
small crumbles of reduced fat mozzarella cheese
chopped bell pepper
drizzle lo-cal Italian dressing over

Asian Quinoa:
1 serving quinoa, cooked as directed on pkg
chopped baby corn
chopped green onion
carrot shreds
cooked edamame
drizzle with lo-cal Asian dressing or low sodium stir fry sauce

Farmer's Market Quinoa:
1 serving quinoa, cooked as directed on pkg
chopped cooked zucchini
chopped cooked yellow squash
chopped cooked eggplant
chopped tomato
drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and extra virgin olive oil

ENJOY! And let me know about your quinoa creations.

References
(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa