GOOD MORNING (HEALTHY ) GRAINS.....

5 Health Benefits to this wonderful breakfast (or anytime) grain

So, my morning routine always starts with warm lemon water to reset my digestion, cleanse the pallet - get the juices flowing. #2, I reach for greens and get that juicer rolling! #3 mid morning, not quite lunch but post yoga class I am looking for something a bit more - a shake, a raw power bar, what is the next step??

Well, if you are used to eating a hearty breakfast and tired of feeling sluggish after - or like me - some days just looking for the next step in what will keep you powered up for the day..... I was home for the 4th and here comes my mom with just the trick. And to top it off she gave me 5 reasons to take a second bowl! Read on, dig in and get yer HEALTHY grain on!! GOOD MORNING EVERYONE ;) THANKS MOM!

Warm Red Quinoa w/ Fresh Berries & Toasted Pecans

1C Red Quinoa
1C Rice Milk
1C H20
1t Ground cinnamon
1/3C Raisins or cranberries (optional)
11/2T Agave
1C Blueberries
1C Mixed berries
1/3C Chopped pecans or sliced almonds

*Combine the quinoa, milk, water, cinnamon and dried fruit into a large sauce pan over medium heat. Cook, stirring until the mixture comes to a simmer. Cover, reduce the heat to low and cok the quinoa until the liquid has been absorbed (10-15 min). Stir in the remaining ingredients and let the cereal rest for 5 minutes. Top with berries, and nuts - serve warm!

1. Protein Powerhouse

Proteins are essential to the building and repair of the body’s tissues and to basic functions like growth, digestion and excretion. Quinoa has a higher protein content than wheat, barley or other major grains. One cup of quinoa has 9 grams, which trumps the protein-rich egg (6 grams). Quinoa, which contains all 8 of the essential amino acids, is a complete protein. It has become a favorite dish among vegans and vegetarians, but the pleasures and benefits of it are available to anyone seeking an alternative to meat, eggs and dairy products as a protein source.

2. Dieter’s Dream

Quinoa is a satisfying, low-cholesterol source of complex carbohydrates. Rich in fiber, it’s digested slowly and has a low glycemic index, helping you steer clear of the blood-sugar roller coaster. With its chewy texture, quinoa can be eaten at a leisurely pace. Its heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats will leave you feeling full while providing more nutritional content than breads or cereals made of refined grains. Quinoa can be eaten as a breakfast food to provide long-lasting energy and help you breeze through your morning workout. A meal of vegetables and quinoa, or quinoa and beans, is a dieter’s dream: high in vitamins, minerals and protein, while low in fat and calories.

3. Internal Cleanser/Detoxifier

As a complex carbohydrate, quinoa acts an internal cleanser, easing the progress of food through the digestive tract. Used regularly in your diet, quinoa can help keep you free of constipation and bloating. Unlike more common grains such as wheat, quinoa is gluten-free and can be enjoyed by people with digestive disorders, like celiac disease. This versatile seed can be used in breads, soups or other foods where grains are a primary ingredient, offering a steady source of colon-cleansing fiber. The vitamin B and folate in quinoa also help the liver in its role of eliminating wastes from the body, adding to quinoa’s detoxifying properties.

4. Bone Builder

For vegans, people with lactose intolerance or those who are simply looking for non-dairy sources of this vital mineral, quinoa is a flavorful source of plant-derived calcium. Calcium builds and maintains bones and teeth, helps regulate the contraction of the heart, and facilitates nerve and muscle function. One cup of cooked quinoa contains 30 milligrams of calcium. Quinoa also contains impressive quantities of potassium, magnesium and zinc, minerals that are crucial for heart, nerve and muscle function.

5. Brain Food

A cup of cooked quinoa offers 15 percent of the U.S. Recommended Daily Allowance of iron, which helps to deliver oxygen to the blood, boosting energy and brain power. Quinoa’s vitamin B content can help keep the mind sharp, maintain brain volume