Quinoa Salad in a Jar

I've been bringing my lunch and or dinner to work lately in order to save money and also so that I am not tempted to eat the food at work (which is mostly fried and greasy food). However, the usual sadal with veggies and a protein is getting a little too mundane for me. It wasn't until I was in Peoria, IL that I discovered a little something called a quinoa salad in a jar! It was tasty, healthy, easy to transport, and oh so filling. I've been coming up with my own variations since, and enjoy the extra protein kick that quinoa offers!

Listed below is one of MANY different variations that are possible. Basically, I suggest sticking to the good carbs/protein from the quinoa, veggies, healthy fat either from avocado and or olive oil as a dressing, and a little more protein either from beans and or meats like chicken!

Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup cooked quinoa
- spinach
- beets (I used red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup garbonzo beans
- 1/2 cut cucumber
- shaved carrott
- side of dressing (I used balsamic and olive oil)

Directions:
- Layer each ingredient in a large, tall glass jar and that's it
- When you're ready to eat it, pour the dressing on top, close the lid, shake, and enjoy!

Some Other Combination Ideas:
- "Greek Salad" with quinoa, feta, garbonzo beans, spinach, red pepper and olives with a balsamic and olive oil dressing
- "Protein Salad" with qunioa, kidney beans, red beans, garbonzo beans, peas, corn, cucumber, and any dressing (can also add a meat or egg)
- "Southwest Salad" with quinoa, black beans, corn, tomatoes, avocado, onion

Cheers!

Overnight Oats

As many of you might have figured out, I LOVE oats. Not only are they a power food (they are packed with protein and fiber, as well as fight fat) but they are filling and also easy to add to any recipe.

However, due to the Chicago summer heat, eating a hot bowl of oatmeal with a hot cup of coffee has been getting harder and harder to enjoy. Therefore, I gave overnight oats a try and don't see myself going back to "regular" oats until winter!

Listed below is the basic recipe for getting started with overnight oats. I ate it at this "level," however, you could add peanut butter, dried or fresh fruit, nuts, honey, etc. to them the next morning. I just added a dash of cinnamon the night beore and again the next morning when I took them out and ate it like that!

Ingredients for Overnight Oats:
- 1/2 cup of rolled oats NOT quick oats though
- 2/3 cup of skim or soy milk
- 1/2 cup of plain (or flavored) Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon of Chia seeds - these little things are AMAZING. In just 1 serving (1 tablespoon) they have 6g of fiber, and 3g of protein, as well as the right amount of healthy Omega-3 fats your body craves.
*Dash of cinnamon is optional. I always say you can never have too much though

Directions:
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a jar or plastic container. Just make sure that there is a lid because this baby has to be covered.
- Store in the fridge overnight and take out the next morning when you're ready for breakfast! It's as simple as that

As stated before, this is the BASIC or FOUNDATION for overnight oats. You can get as creative as you want, or be somewhat bland like me.

The AMAZING Chia seeds. I found mine at Trader Joes, along with the Rolled Oats NOT quick oats

Finished Product!

Cheers!

Citrus Salmon with Grilled Peaches

Hi there! Sorry it's been ages since my last post... I've been living and interning in Chicago the past two months and have been busy getting familiar with the area (not to mention the delicious foods here). I've been a bad girl and indulging a little too much lately. With that said, this meal was the perfect way to get back on the right and healthy track.

As we all know, I am a huge salmon lover. I've been making the pistachio crusted salmon a little too much, and felt like I needed to branch out and try something new however. This new marinade is easy to make, very refreshing (so perfect for the summer) and healthy! I paired it with grilled peaches, and all in all, it was one VERY filling meal.

For the Citrus Salmon:

- Salmon

- 1 orange

- 1/2 Lemon

- 1 teaspoon oil

- 2 teaspoon agave nectar

- 2 pinches both pepper and crushed red pepper

- 2 stalks scallions 

Direcions:

- In a bowl, mix all of the ingredients together (minus the salmon) and taste to make sure it has the right flavor. Also, make sure to finely chop the scallions!

- Place the salmon in a bowl or container and marinade for 20 minutes

- Move the salmon to a sprayed pan and bake at 350 for 20 minutes, or until it's cooked to your liking

*You could also grill the salmon, which is what I did

For the Grilled Peaches:

- 1 peach

- Cinnamon

- Cooking spray

Direction:

-Cut the peach in half

- Take the middle seed out and spray both insides with cooking spray very lightly

- Sprinkle as much or as little cinnamon on top

- Grill till it's cooked to your liking

*Can also drizzle honey or agave nectar on top

Cheers!