Superpowers & Super-foods

When I was young I could be seen with a towel draped over my shoulders running across the yard with my arms stretched out in front of me under a blue sky in hopes of taking flight. I believed that if I tried hard enough I could fly. After many weeks of failed attempts I came to the realization that if I wanted to take flight I would have to do it on a jet plane. But even though I have tucked away those childish fantasies and I may not have the super powers I had hoped for, I will have to settle for a secret weapon. If Captain America had a shield, I figure, I could certainly give a weapon a try. So, what is my secret weapon you ask? Super-foods! If you are like me, you value your time and adding anything extra to the hustle and bustle of a busy family life with children, demanding training and work obligations seems daunting; then I am here to tell you it can be much easier to eat right if you incorporate “super-foods” into your daily diet. Like with any other habit, small changes repeated overtime can become powerful secret weapons later. So what are super-foods you ask? Super foods are foods that are well known for their nutrient properties. Some I would house in my arsenal of “super-foods” would be; kale, spinach, broccoli, fish, eggs, nuts, natural fruits, legumes just to name a few. Because there are so many of these foods, I couldn’t possibly cover them all here, but I do want to share one of my family’s favorite super-foods and some recipes with you. QuinoaQuinoa (Keen-wah) is often considered a “grain” or “seed” from South America and is quickly becoming more popular in America. My husband and kids like this “bird seed” because it does resemble birdseed as it is a small grain. Quinoa is very versatile and can be used in sweet or savory dishes and is packed with high quality protein/amino acids as well as other important nutrients like iron. Despite its higher carbohydrate content it is considered a low glycemic index and gluten-free food. It is also high in natural fiber. Please enjoy the Vegetarian Quinoa Salad and Berry & Wild Honey Breakfast Quinoa. Note: These recipes are great for those that have wheat allergies.Live Well,Coach Lora EricksonCoach Lora Erickson aka Blonde Runner is a certified running coach located in Bountiful where she resides with her husband and four children. She has been coaching runners and triathlons for over 18 years and enjoys the opportunity to work with beginners. To learn more or find these and other recipes visit BlondeRunner.comCoach Lora’s Vegetarian Quinoa SaladThis is a salad I often have for lunch. It’s quite tasty and healthy. Enjoy.1 cup quinoa3 cups waterDash of lemon juiceDash of vinegar (sometime I use white, other times balsamic)2 cloves garlic, minced1 large tomato dices (fresh from the garden – yum)½ cup diced cucumber¼ cup finely chopped white or purple onion¼ cup fresh chives from the gardenFresh herbs to taste, minced (cilantro or basil is good)1 Tablespoon canola or olive oilSalt and pepper to tasteRinse quinoa well (*important) and add the water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Rest and cool for a few minutes then stir in the garlic, onions etc and veggies. Enjoy. So yummy (and healthy)!Lora’s Berry & Wild Honey Breakfast Quinoa This recipe got two thumbs up from my taste testers (my kids). So, it will stay on our menu. They really like “bird seed” as they like to call it. LOL Enjoy. ~ Coach Lora Erickson½ cup quinoa ½ cup low-fat milk (soy milk works well too) 1 cup water ½ teaspoon of cinnamon Dash of vanilla extract Drizzle of wild honey ½-3/4 cup berries (fresh or frozen works – I like to use several different kinds of berries at once)Rinse quinoa well (*important) and add the milk and water. Bring to a boil and reduce heat, cook uncovered for about 10-15 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. Rest and cool for a few minutes then stir in the spices and vanilla. Top with berries and drizzle with honey and enjoy for a healthy and warm breakfast.