I have always been open to trying new foods. A couple of foods I have never tried until recently quinoa and greek yogurt are fantastic. Here are some healthy benefits, give them a try.
Quinoa
Although not a common item in most kitchens today, quinoa is an amino
acid-rich (protein) seed that has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and
a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked. Quinoa is available in your local health
food stores throughout the year.
Most commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy
green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard. It is a recently rediscovered
ancient "grain" once considered "the gold of the Incas."
Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain; an average of 16.2 percent,
compared with 7.5 percent for rice, 9.9 percent for millet, and 14 percent for
wheat. Some varieties of quinoa are more than 20 percent protein.
Quinoa's protein is of an unusually high quality. It is a complete
protein, with an essential amino acid balance close to the ideal ... similar to
milk!
Quinoa's protein is high in lysine, methionine and cystine. This
makes it an excellent food to combine with, and boost the protein value of,
other grains (which are low in lysine), or soy (which is low in methionine and
cystine).
Greek Yogurt
Greek Yogurt is the best new food on the planet!!! Greek yogurt contains about twice the protein as regular
yogurt, while at the same time containing fewer carbs and almost no lactose. Its live and active culture content is also much higher than that of
regular yogurts and twice as good.
The straining process not only makes it creamy and rich, it also produces a
yogurt that stands up better to heat, so you can cook with it as well as toss it
into protein shakes or eat in plain. One of my favorite ways to eat "Greek Gods Yogurt" is the honey flavored with walnuts.
Fage Greek Gods Yogurt and Oikos are good brands and widely available, even at many regular food stores. You can get
full-fat or fat-free depending on your dietary leanings.
Enjoy!!
Jason Stone Fitness