Wondering why quinoa’s a superfood? Let’s dive in!

First off, it’s naturally gluten-free. WIN!

I love when things are gluten-free because I don’t worry about it irritating my stomach/causing bloat. I’m gluten sensitive, so I still have gluten sometimes, but I try to avoid it as much as possible.

It’s also a complete protein. That’s big!

A complete protein contains all 9 essential amino acids that our bodies can’t produce on their own & needs to get from our diet. All animal sources of protein are complete proteins, but many plant sources aren’t. So it’s cool that quinoa is a complete protein.

It also provides more protein than most grains.

3/4 cooked quinoa (1/4 cup dry) provides 6g protein while 3/4 cooked white rice contains a 3.2g protein.

For context, 1 hard-boiled egg = 6g of protein.

Hemp heeds & nutritional yeast are vegan complete proteins too!

Here are some more deets:

1/4 cup dry (3/4 cup cooked) contains:

• 6g protein (complete protein!)
• 3g fiber (12% daily recommended value)
• 10% daily recommended iron

It’s also super filling, so it’ll keep you full longer. It’s still pretty high in carbs (30g for 3/4 cup cooked quinoa—10% DV) but at least it’s providing complete protein, fiber & iron, so I’m a fan!

I usually get the organic tricolor quinoa from Trader Joe’s.

So let’s recap?

It’s gluten-free, a great source of complete protein & provides fiber & iron. YES, PLEASE.

I feel like it earned its title as a superfood, don’t you think? ; )

My favorite way to have it is in a quinoa bowl—quinoa + veggies, like sautéed mushrooms, sautéed tomatoes and onions, avocado, and bell peppers—or as a snack with nutritional yeast sprinkled on top (so quick & easy!). Sometimes I’ll add it to salads, too.

Since you can add it to so many different kinds of meals, I usually make it in bulk so I’ll have leftovers & can keep it in the fridge—that way I can pull it out when I’m hungry to make a quick snack or a quinoa bowl. SO YUM!

What’s your favorite way to have it? Tell, tell : )

<3,
Bita

+ learn more about nutritional yeast (for delicious, parmesan flavor that’s vegan, & also a complete protein w/ vitamin b12 + fiber)

+ learn about hemp seeds (another great source of complete protein + fiber)

+ more nutrition tips & tricks

 

Some kitchen faves: