Can I Lose Weight With Quinoa?

Although not a 'diet food', it is possible to maintain and even lose weight with quinoa by incorporating it into your diet in a variety of ways. Quinoa, now recognized as a 21st century 'super food' has exceptional nutritional benefits. There are many reasons to incorporate it into your meals.

This ancient seed food, native to South America, is a slow-release carbohydrate, keeping blood sugar levels more constant and energy levels stable. This alone makes it a great ingredient in weight loss diets. Also, most people find quinoa quite filling and substantial, so they eat smaller portions.

The quinoa seed is high in minerals and vitamins such as potassium, zinc, copper, manganese and B vitamins, niacin and thiamine. It is gluten free and non-allergenic. One of the only plant foods to contain all the essential amino acids, it a good protein source, with healthy omega-3 fat content.

Cooked quinoa pairs well with both fruits and vegetables. By pairing it with these essential and healthy foods, you will be able to create a totally complementary meal - carbohydrates, fiber, fat and protein. It can be used in cold salads, hot casseroles or pilafs, or even as a breakfast cereal, topped with fresh fruit.

Quinoa is not a 'fast food' but it is quite fast to prepare. It takes less than 15 minutes to cook, so the temptation to just microwave some prepared (and often high-calorie) dish can be avoided. The added benefit, of course, is it has much greater nutritional value, and you feel full longer.

Cooked quinoa can be kept refrigerated for up to 5 days. Keep some ready to use as a base for casseroles and salads instead of rice or pasta. Add it to vegetable soups or stews as a thickener, or even use it as a breakfast porridge.

You should also be aware of a further benefit of adding quinoa to your diet. It is essential to have a healthy balance between acid and alkaline foods. Since quinoa has an alkalinizing effect in our body, it helps keep our blood pH slightly alkaline, which is optimum for health and avoiding disease.

Quinoa, in summary, is a slow release food, helping you maintain even energy. It can be used in a variety of ways. It is easy and fast to prepare. It is a wholesome and highly nutritious food. It can help balance our body pH. For all these reasons, it is possible to maintain and even lose weight with quinoa as a part of our diet.

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