La vie est belle

Hey all :)

I was on medical leave yesterday because I was still having  pain in my tummy – not gastric pain but more like stitch pain. I didn’t sleep much on Monday night, so yesterday I managed to catch up on my lost sleep.

The other day at Brewerks, we ordered some veggie dips that came with raw celery and carrots and a cheese dip (I think they are not on the menu but they will gladly serve you some if you ask them  — $1.99 for a plate). Yesterday I felt like making my own veggie dip –  Bacon bits sour cream dip.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup low fat sour cream
• 2-3 tbsp bacon bits (add more if you like)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Pinch of salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1 tsp honey (if you like it a bit sweeter add more)

Method: Mix all together (except the bacon bits). Chill for a few minutes. Before serving, add the bacon bits. Serve with crackers, chips, or veggie dippers.

I served mine with boiled broccoli.

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Quinoa

I’ve always wanted to try quinoa. They have been commemorated as the “Super grain of the future“. Although classed as a grain, quinoa (keen-wah) is technically an herb, originating with the Incas, in Peru. They are light, delicious, high in protein, and easy to cook.  They can be used in place of rice, bulgar, or couscous in any recipe.

Some health benefits of Quinoa

• Unlike its counterparts, Quinoa is a complete protein (12-18%), since it contains all the eight essential amino acids.
• It has excellent source of potassium, calcium, zinc, magnesium, iron (15%) and B vitamins.
• Thanks to the magnesium content, they are Nature’s medicine for people suffering from Migraines. Add them to you diet often. They are also excellent for the heart. Magnesium also relaxes muscles and blood vessels, which lowers blood pressure.
• Since they are an insoluble fiber, it helps in gallstone prevention.
• They are go-to foods for diabetic patients, since it helps to decrease the blood sugar levels.
• If you suffer from celiac disease, then look no further for Quinoa is here. It is gluten free.

Did you know: One cup of quinoa contains more calcium than one cup of milk!

I bought a packet of Quinoa at Fairprice on Tuesday.

And tried it for dinner. I made Prawn, Tofu and Quinoa stir fries with a tablespoon or two of coconut cream. I will do without the coconut cream next time because I didn’t quite like its taste.

Hidden underneath are roasted walnuts and almonds for a nutty taste.

The husband isn’t fan of those healthy grains especially things that he has never eaten nor heard of. However he finished his bowl :) Good thing I added the prawns!

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I think I will stir fry  long beans + firm tofu + quinoa tonight! I am not allowed to work out for the next few weeks and I’m already really missing sweating like a pig :( I just discovered some very interesting workouts but unfortunately I can’t do them!! Anyway, have a great day ahead!

Tags: Food, healthy, quinoa, tofu

This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 7th, 2010 at 4:18 pm and is filed under Health, Recipes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.