's motd Saturday July 7, 2012 - quinoa

[Guest guest]

QUINOA

Saturday, 07 July 2012

Bet you never even heard of it, huh? Well,

it came up in our Clubhouse Chat earlier this week and

after today's message, you're gonna know a whole lot

more about QUINOA.

By the way, it's pronounced...KEEN-WA. And

now...what is it?

You may remember, yesterday, I discussed with you the

importance of whole-grains. I talked about common

whole-grains we're all familiar with like, oats,

whole-wheat and brown rice. Well, quinoa is a grain,

too.

Quinoa is a little grain that must be rinsed

first then you cook it like you would rice.

Quinoa is a little grain that must be rinsed first

then you cook it like you would rice. But here's the

thing, while quinoa is counted as a whole-grain, it's

actually a

seed even

though it can be prepared like most whole-grains.

Quinoa takes less time to cook than other whole

grains, only about 10-15 minutes. To cook it, add one

part quinoa to two parts liquid such as water,

chicken, beef or vegetable broth. After it comes to a

boil, reduce the heat to simmer and cover. (It's the

same way we cook rice.) When it's done, you'll notice

that the grains of quinoa have become translucent and

are ready to serve.

Lots of people like quinoa on its own, hot or cold,

but I like to mix mine with other foods. For

instance, you can add quinoa to your favorite

vegetable, beef or chicken soup recipe. It's also

delicious mixed with sauteed or roasted vegetables.

(And you know how much I love my roasted veggies!)

You can even add nuts or your own choice of fruit to

cooked quiona for a tasty, healthy and different

breakfast cereal in the mornings.

Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and

full of cancer-fighting antioxidants our bodies love.

Like other grains, quinoa is an excellent source of

protein and full of cancer-fighting antioxidants our

bodies love. It's also loaded with bone-building

phosphorous and cooper which is especially important

for women as they get older. A 1/3 cup serving

contains about 160 calories and only 2.5 grams of

fat. You should count quinoa as a starch on your FoodMover.

Most quinoa sold in the United States comes from South

America, which is where it originated. It's been

around for thousands of years. Along with corn, it

was one of the mainstay foods of the ancient Incas in

that part of the world. Quinoa is generally available

in bulk bins at most health food stores but it's also

beginning to appear in more mainstream supermarkets,

too.

Get to know KEEN-WA.

So do yourselves a favor, get to know KEEN-WA,

that is quinoa.

Add it to the list of wonderful whole-grains that are

so good for you and your whole body!

Love,