Breakfast Quinoa: Berry & Walnut

 

I’m the type of person that wakes up hungry every single day, so there’s no way I could function skipping breakfast.  My extreme morning hunger always has me in search of a good hearty breakfast that will keep me full until lunch. I swore off boxed cereal a long time ago; I really feel like the processing most cereals undergo makes me hungry again within an hour. While oatmeal is a tried and true filling breakfast, quinoa can actually be eaten as a hot morning meal too. Plus, unlike oatmeal, quinoa is a complete protein. Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids our bodies need, which makes it a great vegetarian protein option. When cooked in milk instead of water you get even more protein!

 

The walnuts and chia seeds contain filling and healthy omega-3 fats. Walnuts also contain more antioxidants than any other nut, and they have the ability to lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation. You could use any fruit you have on hand in this recipe; I just enjoy the sweetness of blueberries combined with the tartness of raspberries. I felt the plethora of fruit made this meal plenty sweet, but I had to sweeten my husbands portion with a little honey, so I’ll understand if you need to use a little sweetener too.

 

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{Breakfast Quinoa: Berry & Walnut}

Switch-up for your morning oatmeal routine for quinoa, which has a great nutty flavor. Quinoa is a complete plant protein too, so it’s a great option for vegetarians. The walnuts and chia seeds pack in a healthy dose of omega-3 fats. 

 

Servings: 2

 

Ingredients

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed

1 cup skim milk

• You could also use soymilk. Other non-dairy milks will have less protein than dairy or soy.

1/2 cup raspberries

1/2 cup blueberries

2 Tbsp chia seeds

1/4 cup chopped walnuts

 

Optional ingredients:

sweetener of choice (if you’re taste buds aren’t accustomed to fruit alone for sweetness)

1/2 tsp cinnamon

 

Directions

1. Combine quinoa and milk and bring to a boil over medium heat, let boil for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and cover for 15 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed.

2. Add remaining ingredients and stir to combine.  The chia seeds will absorb a little more liquid, so you can add another tbsp of milk if the mixture is too thick.

 

Nutrition info per serving:  415 cal, 18 g fat (1 g sat fat), 16 g pro, 53 g carb, 12 g fiber

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If you’re pressed on time in the morning, cook up the quinoa the night before and refrigerate. Add a little more milk and reheat in the morning, then mix in your fruit and nuts.