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Bodybuilding Quinoa
What is Quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced "Keen-wa") is an ancient "grain" that has been called "the gold of the Incas." Even though quinoa is generally thought of and prepared like a grain such as rice or barley, it is really a seed that is high in protein and has a pleasant nutty taste and creamy, but slightly crunchy texture after cooking.
Quinoa and Bodybuilding
Quinoa may very well be a bodybuilding super food because not only is it high in protein but the protein it contains is complete protein, which means it actually has all nine of the essential amino acids. The Inca warriors depended on quinoa to help increase their strength and stamina. This may be due to it's high content of the amino acid lysine which is needed for muscle repair and growth. Quinoa is a good food source for manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, riboflavin, copper and iron.
Quinoa Bodybuilding Diet
Adding quinoa to your bodybuilding diet is a great idea because it will give you more variety, it has more protein then rice or oats and it also has many health benefits. Since quinoa's has balanced and complete amino acids it is a good choice for vegetarians and vegans as a substitute for animal protein sources. In addition to being high in protein, quinoa also has antioxidants and is a good source of dietary fiber. I suggest you use quinoa rather then other grains in your diet such as wheat, corn, oats, etc.
Bodybuilding Quinoa Recipe
Quinoa is very simple to make, similar to how you cook rice. You just bring to a boil one cup of in quinoa two cups of water, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
Quinoa nutrition facts: 1 cup cooked quinoa has 155 calories, 5.5 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, 3 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber.
Chicken and Vegetables Over Quinoa Recipe
Ingredients
1 cup quinoa
2 cups organic chicken broth
2 chopped garlic cloves
1 small chopped onion
2 chicken breast (skinless, boneless and cut into strips)
4 tablespoons organic olive oil
1 zucchini, diced
1 carrot, diced
1 tomato, diced
Directions
Boil quinoa and chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan then reduce heat and simmer until the quinoa is fluffy and all the broth is absorbed.
Stir-fry garlic and onions in olive oil until soft. Stir fry chicken breast strips and when almost done add the zucchini, carrot and tomato. It is done when the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables tender.
Serve with the quinoa and enjoy.
For more great bodybuilding recipes checkout the Bodybuilding Cookbook.
Bodybuilding Quinoa