I decided I want to start a healthier eating regimen–you know, a diet–today.

I haven’t been making the best choices lately, and really, I’m getting too old to put off my weight loss until someday. I want to feel better while I can still enjoy feeling better, if you know what I mean.

This morning, I cooked a batch of quinoa to use as the base of my breakfasts and lunches.

Why Follow a Quinoa Diet?

I chose to base my new lifestyle on quinoa because I believe it is one of the healthiest nutrition choices I can make.

1. Quinoa is high in protein.

With 8 grams of protein per cup, quinoa packs a punch rice can’t meet.

2. Quinoa’s protein is complete.

Quinoa has all the essential amino acids our bodies need to build proteins. When you choose quinoa, you do not have to worry about finding other proteins to be sure you are getting all the different amino acids you need.

3. Quinoa is high in fiber.

Quinoa also brings 5 grams of fiber to the party, both soluble and insoluble fiber. Insoluble fiber helps keep our digestive tracts functioning properly, and soluble fiber has been proven to help lower cholesterol.

4. Quinoa is versatile.

I know quinoa is hardly the only whole-grain, high-protein carbohydrate available, but it is the one easiest to incorporate in my meals. Savory or sweet, morning, noon, and night, quinoa fits with my lifestyle.

5. Quinoa is convenient.

I can cook quinoa and store in the fridge for up to five days–not that it ever lasts that long in my house. I believe having a nutritious option available at all times will help me make the right choice more often.

My Quinoa Diet – Today’s Meals

For breakfast today, I made a quick porridge with my prepared quinoa base. The quinoa was still warm so I didn’t even have to heat the milk in the microwave.

For lunch, I had 1 cup of Progresso lentil soup and ⅔ cup prepared quinoa, with some red pepper flakes to spice it up for me.

For a snack, I had a Granny Smith apple.

For dinner, I broke a couple eggs over Urbane Grain’s Sun-dried Tomato and Basil quinoa blend prepared with sauteed carrots and onions. I was low on fats and proteins for the day, so I topped the eggs with some cheddar cheese.

This meal was appealing on every level. The quinoa blend was salty and full of flavor, the onions were sweet, the carrots still crunchy, and the runny eggs elevated this dish to comfort food level. I wish I had a better photo to show you.

If this is dieting, I don’t want to stop.

Looking over my menu today, I can see I am horribly deficient in greens and low on proteins. I am headed to the grocery store tomorrow to stock up on green vegetables, citrus fruits, and a variety of protein sources.

What about you? What are you doing to eat healthier today? Please share in the comments below.

Please note, Urbane Grain sent me free samples of their quinoa blends for my review. As always, I strive to give you my honest opinion with any review or recipe.

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