The New Year. It always seems to get everyone in a panic, like somehow we’ve let another year pass without getting our shit together. So everyone vows to go on a diet, quit their job and travel the world or finally find love and quit being perpetually single.
While I don’t make the typical resolutions each year, I do try to make an effort toward something. Last year I believe I vowed to get my finances under control (check) and maintain my sanity (check). This year? I don’t know.
I did have big expectations for the Eve of the New Year, you know, a romantic evening, dinner, candlelight, champagne, a romantic kiss as the clock strikes twelve… but that’s not exactly what’s slated to happen on New Year’s Eve. And I suppose after spending the past few years in bed alone already asleep by midnight, I should be thankful I have any plans at all on New Years. And I am. Really.
After the New Year’s celebrations I will be jumping into training for upcoming summer events. I’ve given myself a break the past few months, but now it’s time to get back to it. With that training comes a cleaner diet with more protein. Quinoa is a good source of protein, especially in a salad. I can use quinoa and not feel guilty for not including meat in my lunches. Since I’m not a big meat eater, although I do like it, just not for every meal, I have to be aware of how I am getting the protein I need when I am training.
If you’ve never cooked quinoa, it’s really easy, just read the instructions on the package. You can even make it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator to add to meals. I especially like this because it is a warm salad, in my opinion that beats a cold salad in winter.
Warm Spinach and Quinoa Salad
1 (6 oz) package of fresh spinach
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup shredded carrot
¼ cup uncooked quinoa (makes about ½ cup cooked)
1.5 oz Goat Cheese
1 tsp original Mrs. Dash seasoning
2 tbsp McCormick salad toppings
Prepare the quinoa according to the instructions on the package. It is usually a 1:2 quinoa to water ratio, boil until the water is absorbed and the quinoa starts to open up. It looks like this; uncooked on the left, cooked on the right:
While the quinoa is cooking, saute the spinach, onion and carrots. Add the cooked quinoa, Mrs. Dash and salad toppings, mix together, and then top with the crumbled goat cheese before serving.
Super easy, super filling, super tasty and it won’t violate any of those resolutions you’re making.
Calories 419 | Total Fat 15 g | Total Carbohydrate 50 g | Protein 22 g
yum yum YUM!!! I must make this. I don’t make quinoa as much as M doesn’t like it, oddly (claims it gives him gas – LOL), but I love it! especially in salads! And I am glad that you are where you are this year, emotionally etc. You’ve had a transitional year, I think, but a fantastic one!