Using Quinoa to Lose Weight
Nutritionists and other diet specialists try to avoid using exaggerated terms such as “superfood” when they refer to quinoa. However, when it comes to this grain, found in the Andean region of South America, there’s no better name for it.
Ultimately, quinoa is the only plant that contains all of the essential amino acids that we need. It provides us with the full spectrum of trace elements and important vitamins for the human body. It’s one of the few ingredients found within our kitchens, that is 100 per cent healthy and has the perfect balance of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and minerals.
Using quinoa to lose weight: the key
Quinoa falls in the pseudocereales category. This refers to plants that are distinguished from cereals by their wide leaves and lack of grass, although its uses are the same.
One of the characteristics of this cereal is its high dietary fiber content, which is what makes it effective when it comes to weight control.
Fiber is an active principal that, when ingested, is resistant to digestive processes and absorption within the stomach and small intestines. However, after arriving in the colon, fiber is only partially processed. This aids intestinal transit, and the molecules are then converted into effective natural detoxifiers.
Fat enemy
In addition to being totally composed of small levels of unsaturated fats, quinoa also aids with burning fat that accumulates in the body. At the same time, it reduces unhealthy cholesterol levels and controls blood sugar.
Gluten free
Other benefits of quinoa, when compared to other grains, is that it’s gluten free. This means that people suffering from celiac disease can have access to a healthy, flavorful substitute to other cereals such as, wheat and oatmeal.
A snack that satisfies
Those who struggle with obesity tend to find mealtimes stressful. They might have trouble feeling completely full and satisfied, with traces of hunger lingering even after eating. With quinoa, that doesn’t happen. It offers a hearty and prolonged satiation.
How to incorporate quinoa into your diet?
For many, going on a diet to control your figure means eating bland, flavorless, or even medicinal-tasting food.
When using quinoa to lose weight, it’s a different situation. Its versatility means that you can use it in a variety of recipes including soups, broths, and desserts. All without losing an iota of flavor or health benefits!
Here are some ideas for delicious, guilt-free dishes using this grain as the base:
Rice substitute
Cook one cup of previously washed quinoa in two cups of water. After about 15 minutes, it’ll be ready to serve. Optionally, you can add a touch of salt.
Atole
This preparation can replace cereals like oatmeal or barley. It’s also a good way to consume quinoa to lose weight. It is quick and easy to make, taking just about five minutes.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of raw quinoa
- 8 cups of hot water
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 4 tablespoon of sugar
Preparation:
- Mix the quinoa and the water in a cup for 10 seconds, with an electric mixer
- Immediately add two additional cups of water, mixing for the same amount of time, then letting it sit for a couple of minutes
- Add the rest of the water and mix again
- Afterwards, drain the water through a colander or strainer
- For the last step, add the sugar
Hot cakes:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked quinoa
- Half a cup of quinoa flour
- Half a cup of wholegrain, gluten-free flour
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 2 cups of soy milk
- Half a cup of yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1 spoonful of unsalted butter
Once the mixture is ready, the mix will be exactly like traditional hot cakes. Optionally, you can pour honey or syrup over them when serving.