Happy Sunday!

          As the weekend comes to a close, I am going through the same realization that happens about every two weeks: I’m running out of food.  Looking in the fridge this morning to see my section looking abandoned is always a sad feeling, especially when I’m craving a mountain sized serving of French toast and only have one egg left.  Struggling to find a job here at school, it’s hard to always be stocked for a meal that I am longing.  But, I have found a substitute food item that is good for you, filling, and lasts a long time so I don’t have to go grocery shopping if money is tight.  This new wonder for me is called quinoa. 

                Last semester my roommate was constantly making a dish that looked almost like oatmeal or porridge, which she called quinoa.  For me, this did not look appetizing at all.  It seemed very bland and I couldn’t help picturing little Oliver Twist, starving, asking, “Please sir, can I have some more?” Needless to say I didn’t want to be eating mush.  However, then my roommate started telling me how fantastic quinoa is for us.  From her I learned that quinoa is a small, pebbly grain that is actually high in protein.  In fact, according to the Whole Foods website, it is a “complete” protein, which means it provides us with all nine vital amino acids.  In addition, when you boil it, quinoa absorbs the water and expands from the tiniest amount to a huge serving that leaves you feeling satisfied.  It tastes decent too!  However, if you think the sweet nutty taste is lacking, my roommate suggests doctoring it up with spices or even a bouillon cube.

The only downside about quinoa is that it is somewhat expensive if you don’t have a steady income.  For the bag I bought, which is the brand Eden Organic, it was about $5.  BUT don’t let that get you down because it lasts a long time since you don’t need to eat that much to feel full!  Trust me, when I tried it, I followed the back of the bag that says the serving size is ¼ cup.  When I measured it out and thought it wouldn’t be enough and, like I said before, it expanded.  Honestly, the amount probably doubled its size by creating a fluffy texture.

Now I’m not saying quinoa should be replacing your meals because it makes you full, but it is an alternative, and it’s GOOD for you, that can hopefully save you a trip to the market. 

 a mango blueberry quinoa salad that I am dying to try!