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Cheap Healthy Food and Easy Meal Ideas
One Healthy Food, Three Ways
Racking your brain for a new salmon recipe? Don’t know what to do with quinoa? Fight healthy food fatigue by picking up 7 versatile ingredients for nutrient-packed meals all week
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Quinoa
Image: Thinkstock
In addition to being hard to pronounce, quinoa (KEEN-wah) has a reputation for being one of the most protein-packed whole grains you can buy. “In terms of total protein, it's actually comparable to wheat and other grains,” notes Reinagel. “However, the protein is a higher quality due to a better balance of amino acids. Quinoa is also a great option for those with celiac and other wheat or gluten intolerances.” The whole grain is also high in fiber and potassium, and it has more iron than many other grains.
Make the Most of It
Cook quinoa and add small diced roasted vegetables, like squash, red pepper, onion, and mushrooms for a hearty main dish salad, suggests Moore. Or toss it with roasted pistachios and orange for a light and refreshing side salad. You can also cook quinoa in chicken or vegetable broth and enjoy the whole grain as a side dish like you would rice or pasta.
Get Cooking!
Lime Biryani Don’t let margaritas be your only excuse to spring for fresh limes. Their tangy juices pair perfectly with the spicy curry in this Indian-inspired salad.
Lentil Quinoa Burgers with Sautéed Mushrooms If you think you can’t enjoy a burger during bikini season, guess again. This meat-free version is packed with belly-flattening fiber and whole grains.
Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers Pair quinoa with bell peppers and you’ll be picking one of the most nutrient-packed veggies in town. Bell peppers are loaded with vitamin C and beta-carotene. Remember, the redder the pepper, the better.
More: These eight food swaps help you load up on healthy whole grains without expanding your waistline
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