Topic: quinoa

What To Eat When You’re Sick Of Oatmeal: Quinoa Porridge

What To Eat When You're Sick Of Oatmeal: Quinoa Porridge

Oatmeal is delicious, and everyone from Jillian Michaels to Sophia Bush endorses it as a healthy breakfast. But for those of us who thrive on variety, a daily bowl just gets really…boring. So to switch things up–and pack a little more protein in while we’re at it–we’ve been experimenting with quinoa porridge instead. It’s equally delicious, if not more, and it actually cooks quicker than steel-cut oats. Plus, it’s slightly lighter tasting (and feeling), so it’s particularly well-suited to summer. More »

Why Your Quinoa Might Be Causing World Hunger

Why Your Quinoa Might Be Causing World Hunger

I know we’ve already had a heated debate about vegan concerts today, and I just wrote about how McDonald’s serves more ethical fish across the pond. But I just have a little more food for thought (no pun intended) before you head to happy hour: Quinoa, the ancient “grain” (technically, it’s a seed) that’s is full of fiber, protein, and nutrition, may be good for you, but it’s apparently really really awful for the people who grow it (and used to eat it). The first world’s obsession with the nutritious grain is sapping Bolivia — the primary country responsible for growing the crop — of its own food source, starving indigenous populations of their traditional cuisine. That’s pretty effed up, and it also raises the question: What other super-healthy foods are we consuming that might be screwing up the world’s food systems and making it impossible for other people to afford their dinners? More »

Meatless Monday: 10 Creative Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

Meatless Monday: 10 Creative Vegetarian Quinoa Recipes

Getting protein without meat, fake meat, or some kind of processed soy can be a bear, but thanks to grains like quinoa, it’s possible to get protein even in a fiber-rich, plant-based meal. The easy, quick cooking grain contains eight grams of protein per serving, plus lots of fiber and essential minerals to give you a boost. Now that it’s been on the market for awhile, it’s also easy to find at grocery stores; for the most part, it’s just as easy to find as rice (but cooks a lot faster and contains a lot more protein). The only problem with it? Frankly, we get a little bored with quinoa salads and vegetable-quinoa sautees. So we combed the internet for some creative (and vegetarian) ways to eat the high-protein grain for a satisfying Meatless Monday meal. More »

The Vegetarian High-Protein, Low-Carb Experiment: A Cautionary Tale

The Vegetarian High-Protein, Low-Carb Experiment: A Cautionary Tale

I’ve been a vegetarian since 1995, and while it ain’t easy (I’m not earning any brownie points with popular society it seems), it’s never been too hard, either. There have been very few instances where I could eat nothing on a restaurant menu. And despite what the proudly misinformed carnivores will tell you, I’m not deficient in any vitamins, minerals, or nutrients.

However, when I began to increase my physical training and lift heavier weights (20 lbs for biceps, 30 lbs for back, 35 lbs for legs), it was recommended to me that I try a high-protein low-carb diet. I’m not a fan of doing a diet like this long-term (the scientific data is there: We need carbs. Our brains function on them!), but for a mere two weeks in order to maximize my results in a short period of time, the damage would essentially be minimal and reversible, if any.

So I decided to give it a go. But looking online for high-protein, low-carb meal plans for vegetarians proved more difficult than I originally estimated. Almost all of them suggest fish, poultry, or good ol’ steak. Blech. More »

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