Sticking to a clean eating lifestyle is made that much simpler with these 3 satisfying grains for your healthy meals.
When sticking to my typical clean eating routine, my dinners normally consist of some form of protein with a side of some sort of vegetable. For the most part, that usually works. However, we all have those days when we need a little bit more substance. That is where grains come in.
Now we all know the universal grain, rice. Although rice is delicious, in this post, we are going to talk about our other favorite grain options. These grains will fill you up without jeopardizing your fitness journies. Without further delay, here are 3 satisfying grains for healthy and nutritious dinners.
This post is all about 3 satisfying grains for healthy dinners.
Grains
1. Quinoa ($15.22)
I was surprised to hear the question recently, is quinoa a grain? It absolutely is and it’s one of our favorites. Quinoa is filling, nutritious, and easy to prepare. The RiceSelect Tri-Color Quinoa and the RiceSelect White Quinoa are both delicious, non-GMO, and gluten-free. This $15 jar will last you for months!
Quinoa is regarded as a very healthy grain and is the latest craze among health-conscious and fitness-oriented people. Derived from the Andean region of South America, it has long been regarded as a “superfood” because of its very impressive content of nutritional value. It is a complete protein, that is, it contains all nine essential amino acids that the human body cannot produce on its own. Thus, it makes for a great source of protein for both vegetarians and vegans. Above that, quinoa is packed with more fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, iron, and B-complex vitamins that are crucial in keeping one fit and well.
Quinoa’s high protein content enables it to help repair and build muscles, which is quite necessary for those who work out consistently. The complex carbohydrates in quinoa give one the energy that will help in workouts and endurance. Moreover, it has a low glycemic index, providing a slow and gradual entrance of glucose into the blood system. This prevents energy crashes one gets from taking a lot of sugar. It has fiber. Fiber not only improves digestion but also provides a prolonged feeling of satiety, which makes sticking to a healthy diet easy for eventual fitness goals. Anyway, quinoa is considered a great resource in enhancing one’s general fitness and overall well-being, just because of its unique mix of nutrients.
2. Bulgar ($9.99)
One of the most delicious types of grains is Bulgar. Bulgar is super affordable and cost-effective. The Spicy World Bulgur is our go-to but you can pick up whichever brand your local grocery store carries. Bulgar is highly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads like tabbouleh to pilafs and soups
Bulgur represents the base food in Middle Eastern cuisine. Its existence dates back to the time of the ancient civilizations. It is made from whole wheat kernels parboiled, dried, and cracked into different sizes. During this processing, not only the nutritional integrity of the grain is conserved but at the same time also cooking time is radically reduced. It has been one of the basic diet components in countries like Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria for hundreds of years. One finds it in traditional dishes like tabbouleh and kibbeh. Long believed to be a staple food where preservation of food is essential, the durability and simplicity of its preparation have granted favoritism to this particular grain.
Nutritionally, bulgur happens to be one of the finer grains. It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. This will help with digestion, maintain stable blood sugar levels, and increase satiety, thus helping in weight management. Bulgur is also a good source of vital vitamins and minerals, especially iron, magnesium, and the B-complex group of vitamins. These nutrients have major roles in energy production, muscle function, and total cellular health. Moreover, bulgur is relatively low in calories and fat but high in protein for a grain.
3. Amaranth ($21.98)
The last item on our grains list is a bit of an exotic one. Amaranth is a versatile grain that originated in Northern Argentina. Highly nutritious, this grain works perfectly for warm breakfast porridge, soups, and stews.
Amaranth has been a staple in ancient Mesoamerican diets for over 8,000 years and has been cultivated by both Aztecs and Incas. Very much revered for its nutritional value, this holy grain was used in religious events and ceremonies, apart from being consumed every day. Amaranth is classified under the term “pseudocereal,” like quinoa. Its adaptability to different climates has made it, throughout history, a very valued crop; its cultivation has spread worldwide, especially to parts of Africa and Asia.
Amaranth is rich in protein, fiber, and key micronutrients. In particular, it is rich in lysine, an amino acid generally lacking in other grains. This makes it an absolute protein source, suitable for vegetarians and vegans. This grain is also full of other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium; all essential for health. For the athlete or fitness enthusiast, the rich protein in amaranth is a sure way to help in the repair and development of muscle tissues, while complex carbohydrates provide energy—therefore, making it a food of choice before or after a workout. This fiber in amaranth further aids in digestion and controls blood sugar levels toward achieving better weight management and overall fitness.
This post was all about 3 satisfying grains for healthy dinners. Toodles, Angels.
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