What I'm eating Wednesday ...

I saw this sitting in my pantry over the weekend.

I bought it about a month ago with the intention of trying it for breakfast as a change from the usual or to make up a salad. 

As you have surely heard quinoa is a "super grain" that has been around for thousands of years.  The fabulous Wikipedia can be credited for providing me with some nutritional information on quinoa ...  

"Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (14% by mass). Nutritional evaluations of quinoa indicate that it is a source of complete protein. Furthermore, it is a good source of dietary fibre and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also a source of calcium, and thus is useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest."

So anyway I thought that I had better make the effort to use it this week.  The stuff is a little bit expensive if you decide to leave it go past the use by date.

I have used quinoa flakes before to make "porridge" for breakfast and I'll be honest and I was not so fussed at all! I thought it smelled funny and tasted a bit gag worthy.

But, I'm giving the whole grain a go this time.
 
I've been having it for my breakfast the last few mornings.  The directions on the packet suggest 1 part quinoa to 3 parts water.  I have been cooking it up with water and adding some berries like I usually do for my oats or muesli.  I also add a tablespoon or so of milk ( I like it a bit creamy ) and a drizzle of maple syrup as I just didn't think I could face it "unsweetened". I'm working my way up slowly!

This morning I made it up and added the tablespoon or so of milk but when a bit luxurious and added raisins and some brown sugar. I must say this was a little more palatable.
I believe I also need to rinse it to get rid of some of the "bitterness" .. I tried this one morning but I forgot this morning so unsure whether this really made a difference!

I haven't yet tried it in a savoury dish.  I'm a bit nervous as to the family's reaction however I would like to have a go as it is supposed to be great as a cous cous substitute. 
I have done a little bit of searching on the Internet ( as you do ) to find some savoury recipes. There are hundreds! There are websites dedicated to quinoa recipes alone.

I'm going to keep playing over the next week or so and see what I can come up with!  In the meantime, if anyone has any tried and true recipes I could have a crack at please send them through!

What have you been eating this Wednesday?

What's for breakfast in your house?

What did you have for breakfast this morning? 

Don't tell me you skipped it because I won't listen ... lalalalalalalalala ( fingers in my ears )

Apparently it's the most important meal of the day!  I know you've heard that it helps with weight loss if you eat breakfast, but why not skip breakfast and cut a few calories?  That should work out the same shouldn't it? 

Not really .. When you skip breakfast are you absolutely starving and can't think straight by 10am? Then you fill up on lunch, then continue to nibble through out the day thereby making up and even over eating the calories you skipped at breakfast!

Then what benefits are there for eating breakfast and helping you lose or control your weight?

• You are "breaking the fast" after not eating for 10 - 12 hours. When you eat breakfast your body knows to produce enzymes that you need to metabolise and help lose weight.
• Having a healthy balanced breakfast will fire you up and give you the energy that you need to keep going throughout the day especially if you have to work, chase kids, family and include exercise!

Now that I have convinced you to give breakfast a go, what should you do?

• First up, eat soon after waking, some suggest within 30 minutes. If you are training early in the morning, it's a personal preference whether you eat before or after training. If you are going to be doing an intense training session, I would recommend having something before hand as it will give you extra fuel to put in a quality training session. You don't want to pass out on the floor half way through your session! If you are going for a walk or light run, you decide .. just don't leave it too long to get something in your belly.
• Next up, choose something that is filling and slow digesting, a mix of carbohydrate and protein is ideal. Not high in fat or sugar! Also, watch your portion sizes. It is really easy to overeat especially when you are chowing down cereal in the morning after a run! I also like to have a serve of fruit at breakfast because I don't always feel the love for fruit later in the day!

What is on the breakfast menu at my house ...

• Muesli with berries .. I make my own muesli and the recipe is here
• One piece of wholegrain toast with an egg .. poached, boiled or scrambled.  If you are doing scrambled don't be adding too many extras like butter, milk, cheese!  Also, your choice whether you go egg / egg white.  I usually go whole egg + 1 egg white because even though the yolk has some fat, it also has heaps of nutrients!
• Oats with berries .. I make my oats on water and then add about a tablespoon of milk to confuse myself into thinking it's creamy!

Oh and a coffee! Don't get in the way of my coffee!!

What's on the breakfast menu in your house? 

Or do you need to make a bit more of an effort with this meal?