March Math

So there are 5 recipes and today is March 9. I'm down 4. Not good. Looks like there will be a few posts today or a rather long one that accumulates through the day.

What did you have for breakfast? Was it enough? Did it hold you through to your mid-morning snack? Did you know your body needs protein first thing in the morning? When you wake your body has been fasting for 8-12 hours. It is hungry!! Cereal is not enough. For many people cereal is a sugar hit and then an energy drop in about an hour. Cereal is a processed food. Even "healthy organic" cereals are processed. In the processing sugar, fat, and salt are added to enhance flavors and make the flours stick together. Your body will use the sugar very quickly. You will feel energized for a short period of time and then you will feel like you need a nap. So what are you going to do when you really want a cereal option?

Hot Quinoa Breakfast Cereal
1 cup cooked quinoa
7 walnut halves
1/3 cup frozen blueberries

Mix all ingredients together and eat as is or add almond milk or soy milk to taste. This packs in 340 calories, 11 grams of protein, and only 5 grams of sugar!

And how is it you cook quinoa?? Just like rice 2 parts water to one part grain and cook for 20-25 minutes. If you make too much (or you could make extra for later) try this...

Quinoa and veggie saute

1 cup cooked quinoa
2 cups chopped veggies of choice
1/4 onion, chopped
1 clove garlic chopped fine
1 tbs olive oil

Saute the onion and garlic in the olive oil. When onion is clear add chopped veggies and cook until they are desired "doneness". (I like mine a bit crunchy.) Add the cooked quinoa and heat through. This is lunch for one. You can add 3 oz cooked chicken or tofu if desired. Realize that Quinoa is 222 calories per cup and 8 grams of protein. Adding chicken or tofu will increase the calorie count and the protein count. If your goal is to reach a 400 calorie meal you should add the extra protein.

Math people will notice this brings the recipe count up to 7. I will have to stop here. I managed to get in lots more workout time today than I normally pack in. Because of that I'm needing to head home and cook some food. I'll be sure to keep track of what I make and share tomorrow! Great evening to all!

Enjoy!