Since starting the journey as a personal trainer, and now nutritional coach, I get asked many questions.  The most frequent one is “I want to lose weight… what should I eat?” I ask myself that question all of the time.

It is not easy for me to stick to healthy eating 100% of the time.  Over the past few weeks there have been many summer picnics full of great food.  I am quick to sample everything… maybe more than once!  The most important step for me…

Hit the “reset” button.

This week, I hit the reset button.

Again.

The nice thing is that there is no limit to the number of times I can restart on a journey of better self-health.  I am in control of what I chose to eat and when. 

I noticed over the past couple of days, I feel better overall.  My head is clearer and I have more energy throughout the day.  I realize that the more I chose vegetables, fresh fruit, and good meats or chicken to eat, the better I feel.  As my body slowly starts to rid itself of the past, it rebuilds based on a sound foundation of good food.

I enjoy cooking.  I especially like flavorful dishes that do not require all day to prepare, yet are full of good flavors.  I also like to try new things!

One of my go-to recipes for a great side dish is my friend Sharon’s Quinoa Salad.  It is a lovely combination of good foods with a hint of sweetness.  It is great as a dish on its own, or as a side.  I love it served with a piece of chicken.

It is easy to make, requires no great skills or special kitchen equipment.  One ingredient, the balsamic reduction, can be found ready-made in grocery store where you would find the salad dressing or vinegars.  I pull together all of the ingredients, then start cooking the quinoa.  It was a great way for me to use up a few blueberries that were lingering in the refrigerator.  It takes about 30 minutes start to finish. 

I hope you enjoy!

Sharon's Quinoa Salad (Makes 4-6 servings)

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa

2 cups water

1/2 cup Dried Cranberries

1/2 cup Nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)

1/2 cup Seeds (pumpkin or sunflower)

3-4 cups spinach or kale (coarse chopped… I tear into small pieces and remove stems)

1/2 cup fresh blueberries

Dressing:

1/4 cup flavored balsamic reduction (raspberry, fig, etc)

1/8 cup water

2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

Cook the quinoa as directed on the package. While still hot, add spinach/kale, dried berries, nuts, and seeds. Stir well until vegetables are wilted.

Allow to cool a bit, then add dressing and fresh berries.