Healthy quinoa recipes for weight loss are an abundant source of inspiration when it comes to food ingredients and taste. It boasts of fiber and protein providing all nice essential amino acids to our bodies.
Theoretically, if we didn’t have any other foods around, we could survive and thrive on quinoa. In addition to the all nine amino acids, this delicious grain supplies the body with vitamin E, B vitamins (riboflavin, vitamin B2), potassium, phosphorus, calcium and a ton of antioxidants.
Weight loss is more than just watching your inches disappear. Wise weight loss is when we take care of different areas of our body and treat them with respect. In this case, respect means nutrition and care we provide to them.
This quinoa recipe quickly becomes an integral part of our needs for the nutrients that feed and nurture our well-being.
Quinoa Benefits for Skin Health
Quinoa is one of the best grains to be easily digested by the stomach. One cup of cooked quinoa has a bit over 20 percent of daily requirements of fiber. As the result of it, the good gut bacteria loves it! You see, fiber is the food or prebiotic for the microflora that populates our intestinal track. Feeding it the right stuff is super important for favorable digestion and the nutrients to feed your skin.
Quinoa has been studied pretty thoroughly, hence a lot of data points at the benefits it brings to skin health.
Anti-inflammatory nutrients in this robust grain include those that produce a significant effect on your skin’s well-being, and subsequently on its looks.
With high levels of vitamin B2, the riboflavin, quinoa provides more skin elasticity, softness and resiliency. If you are consistent with your basic skin care routine and include whole foods and ancient grains into your diet, your skin health will improve as a result of your complex approach to your well-being.
Role of Phenolic Acid for Skin Health
Phenolic Acid is one of my favorites to talk about when it comes to skin. This unique chemical found in quinoa does some incredible things. Look at this train of benefits for your gorgeous skin stored inside quinoa grain!
- Minimizes inflamed skin and redness
- Reduces dark undereye circles
- Decreases color pigmentation in the skin
- Lowers DNA damage in skin cells
- Lessens visibility of sunspot
All these benefits support an even skin tone. Including quinoa in our regular diet is a no-brainer to reap the benefits from this natural source of health.
Why Your Skin Needs Gamma-Tocopherol
You do know about the vitamin E and its vast benefits for our well-being. The vitamin E family includes several groups of chemicals: tocopherols and tocotrienols. The medical science
Inside the tocopherols, a group of Gamma-Tocopherols reduce inflammation, guard against certain cancers, and protects against radiation exposure (think the sun here).
Gamma-tocopherols trip free radicals, helping our skin to stay younger looking by supporting a life cycle of and healthy reproduction of cells. This anti-inflammatory action cannot be overlooked when we choose great foods for our skin health. Quinoa is at the top of this food chain.
If you want to continue to enjoy healthy, young skin, you may want to learn more about Anti-aging Retinoid Therapy for women’s skin.
Effects of Cell Wall Polysaccharides on Skin
Cell Wall Polysaccharides play a critical role in our overall health. Undoubtedly, it is one of the frequently overlooked reasons for different skin conditions.
Polysaccharides are natural to our body and skin structures. They are natural components inside the skin that have water-binding power and anti-oxidant properties.
One of the critical roles of cell wall polysaccharides is to increase the water content of the epidermis aka stratum corneum or outer layer of the skin. And in addition, to boost cell membrane fluidity. In a word, polysaccharides are super important to maintain the water balance in our skin.
Without water, the skin looses its protective barriers and functions, and esthetic looks as well. Take a look at this abstract that discusses polysaccharide use in skin care formulations.
Another incredibly useful ingredient for skin moisturization that we need to pay attention to is hyaluronic acid, which can be found in abundance in our body. Read up why it is empowering to know and use Hyaluronic Acid benefits for women.
If you want a more gorgeous and vibrant skin – include quinoa as one of the staples for your breakfast, lunch and dinner menu items!
Does Quinoa Protect Collagen?
Quinoa is beneficial for our skin’s health when we eat it and when we use it for face masks, too. Studies show that topical application of quinoa inhibits an enzyme called matrix metalloproteinase, which is responsible for breaking down of collagen and elastin.
Is Quinoa Rich in Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. To build it, it requires many elements, and one of them is protein blocks.
As quinoa is almost a perfect balance of all 9 essential amino acids, it provides them for collagen construction and maintenance. Lysine is one of the amino acids in quinoa that goes directly to collagen production. One more reason to have this ancient grain in your pantry at all times, isn’t it?
“Essential” means humans cannot synthesize a chemical in their bodies.
Skin maintenance is important at all stages of women’s lives. But it becomes even more crucial during pregnancy, peri-menopause and menopause. Find more How Menopause Affects Skin.
Here are some recipes, very easy ones, that could be done and finished in a few minutes. The only difference is that these recipes provide whole foods, the unprocessed sources of nutrients for your body.
Enjoying a process of preparing and then partaking the foods made with fresh ingredients will definitely bring you closer to a fresher looking skin. And lighter you.
Quinoa Benefits for Weight Loss
Including quinoa into your lifestyle is a prerequisite for having a naturally powerful source of weight loss management. Let’s take a look at some why’s inside quinoa weight loss abilities.
Quinoa is Low Glycemic and Rich in Fiber and Protein
Quinoa recipes for weight loss are Low Glycemic, which means that your blood sugar won’t be jumping up and down after you eat a quinoa meal. Lower blood sugar levels are a must for a successful weight loss, as extra sugar in the body is stored in the form of fat.
With plenty of fiber per serving, your cravings will have a natural harness, and you won’t feel hungry after 30 minutes you’ve had your lunch or dinner.
Fiber naturally increases a feeling of fullness which prevents you to overeat and look for other snacks after a meal.
Reiterating that quinoa is a complete protein with all nine essential amino acids, you can include this ancient grain into your daily meal plan for a more robust health and weight loss. Healthy quinoa recipes for weight loss will include vegetables and herbs to boost the benefits of the grain itself.
This quinoa meal is also Gluten Free and is appropriate for those with Celiac disease or NCGS.
Approximately 4 oz/day of quinoa (~1/2 cup) will provide a child’s protein needs for one day. Have one cup, and you are on the way to your own checks and balances of important nutrients for the body.
Easy Quinoa Recipe for Weight Loss
You have all the necessary ingredients to make a delicious quinoa recipe for weight loss and vibrant health. What’s characteristic of quinoa recipes is that you can use any vegetables, herbs, and spices to create your own unique meal. Once you try once using this given recipe, you will have confidence to take the next step for your totally original quinoa meal.
Quinoa Recipe for Gorgeous Skin and Weight Loss
Ingredients
- ½ cucumber sliced
- 1 bell pepper any variety: red, yellow, orange, green sliced
- 2 scallions chopped
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- ¾ cups frozen peas may substitute for fresh peas
- 1 Tbsp light soy sauce
- ¼ cup pine nuts may substitute for crushed or sliced almonds
- ½ cup red or white cabbage chopped or sliced
- 4 cups quinoa cooked
- 1 slice of lemon
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh greens for garnish
Instructions
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Cook quinoa for about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside in a bowl. Allow it to cool.
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Chop and slice all remaining vegetables. Add them to the bowl with quinoa.
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Add peas, soy sauce, sea salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine all ingredient with a nice mixing movement.
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Garnish with pine nuts or crushed almonds. Squeeze lemon juice over the salad.
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Serve to enjoy all the fresh flavors and know that you are eating for glowing skin, good digestion and, ultimately, for your healthy weight.
66 thoughts on “Healthy Quinoa Recipes for Weight Loss and Gorgeous Skin”
I really want to try quinoa because it looks super delicious! I will try these recipes out! Thanks a lot!
Amy,
Quinoa is my staple food. I cook a lot with it. I put it into salads, I mix it with other Ancient grains and lentils, I put it into my soups.
It is a truly delicious food that can take in the flavor you’re cooking with.
I have often said I want to try this quinoa, but up to now I haven’t tried it 🙂
Renata,
Quinoa is a very forgiving food to cook with. Try it as a stand-alone recipe or add it into almost anything you cook: soups, veggies, salads.
I never knew quinoa had so many benefits. I am definitely going to add more of it to my diet for sure.
Jasmine,
It sounds great that this post encouraged you to think about quinoa in a new light.
I really like quinoa but rarely make quinoa salads. I need to incorporate it more in our weekly meals. This salad looks great!
Ladena,
Quinoa is the basic grain we cook here. I like making different sauces to eat with it.
The meals are excellent and so satisfying.
Amazing recipe, the food looks super delish. I will be giving this a try tonight!
Norma,
The quinoa salad is so versatile! You can add your own veggies to it.
I know quinoa is good for beautiful skin but did not know it could also help with weight loss. Interesting post.
Sambo,
Yes, quinoa is an amazing Ancient grain.
This post makes me love quinoa more.
Rose Ann,
What’s not to love?!
Hope it would encourage you to cook with quinoa.
I make quinoa for my family all the time. It’s so healthy for almost all parts of the body, and it tastes so good. Even the kids love it.
Colleen,
Great to hear it!
Quinoa is a truly versatile food. Anybody can adjust the taste, as quinoa takes in any flavor you serve it with.
This is why I love cooking with quinoa so much. It’s absolutely delicious, and it’s just so darn good for you!
Brianne,
Ditto, my friend.
That looks really good. I love quinoa. I knew it was good for me, but I didn’t know it was so good for so many parts of me.
Ben,
Maybe this post will encourage to cook more with quinoa, no?
I definitely need to get some more quinoa in my diet, thanks!
Krysten,
You will enjoy it so much.
I’ve been cooking with quinoa regularly for the past ten years.
In the beginning, it was nowhere to be found, only two outlets online were selling it. Now, quinoa is everywhere!
Take advantage of enjoying it with your regular recipes. You can easily incorporate quinoa into almost anything.
I love love love quinoa! I’ve been eating it for years, so good and very healthy! I can’t wait to try your recipe.
You’re welcome to try this recipe and even tweak it, if you need and want.
Quinoa is a very forgiving food to cook with.
I love quinoa but i am not good with it.Thanks for sharing recipe.Also i actually didn’t know that they are good for skin too! amazing
Angela,
Don’t be afraid to experiment cooking with quinoa.
I add it to different recipes: soups, salads, chilis, and even onto my vegetable patties.
Quinoa takes in any flavor, hence I cook a lot of different sauces to go with it.
Healthy, Weight loss, and gorgeous? That attracted me! I do love quinoa, it’s very satisfying. The only tweak I would give this (personal preference) is to toss in some fresh blueberries, I really love the contrast of savory and sweet in salads. Pinned & planned, thanks!
Sandy,
Blueberries would be a nice addition to the salad!
Again, quinoa offers possibilities for any taste and need, while remaining a nutrient-rich grain.
I’ve made quinoa a few times and haven’t been thrilled with it. I think I’m not cooking it properly.
Lynne,
Quinoa is the ancient grain that takes on the flavors you offer for the dish. Be it garlic or herbs or any spice – quinoa is readily absorbing it into its texture.
That is why it is a very uniquely versatile grain! The nutritional profile is rich in protein, amino acid and nutrients galore.
I use quinoa in stuffed bell peppers, in raw green salads, in soups and mixing it with my stir fry! Possibilities are endless.
I do encourage you not to give up, rather give into the process of adding your favorite flavors to the next recipe you are going to attempt with … QUINOA!
I have never tried Quinoa. The food looks awesome and thanks for reminding me to supply my skin with goods to keep it healthy. I forget that so often yet look at my face in sadness. It’s a shame u couldn’t send us all samples
Tamra,
Quinoa is a great food that stores for a long time, too. With COMVID-19, it is the one to have in the pantry!
I had a co-worker that was constantly trying to get everyone to eat Quinoa a very long time ago, that was the last time I ate it, someday I will give it a go again, thanks for the inspiration! 🙂
Quinoa is a healthy grain… This recipe looks so good.. I love healthy recipes, thanks for sharing!
We love quinoa and this sounds delicious. My kids will eat quinoa with everything.
I love quinoa but I have to eat it occasionally due to the carb count and my PCOS. With these awesome benefits, I’d love to have it back in my diet on a regular. – yolonda
I love quinoa and I love all the veggies that you mixed with it. Yum! That would be my dinner tonight! Thanks for the recipe!
I have never made quinoa. I’ve always wanted to, and the health benefits are amazing. I’ll have to try your recipe.
I’ve been reading about the many health benefits of Quinoa, but I haven’t tried it, yet. That looks delicious!
Yum, yum, yum! This looks absolutely delicious! I love cooking with quinoa because you can easily flavor it to match your tastes!
I love how great quinoa is for you. I didn’t think it was so bad either. I’ve tried it a couple of times.
I’ve heard a lot about Quinoa lately. I’ve tried it once before and liked it, but haven’t really incorporated it into our meals yet. I would like to try it again sometime soon! Thanks for sharing.
I really need to try quinoa. It sounds delicious and I love that it is filled with protein too.
I love quinoa!! This looks like a great recipe!!
I don’t think I’ve ever made a recipe for gorgeous skin and weight loss. I can’t wait to try this, it looks really good.
I have heard great things about Quinoa and they are really recommending it. I think I should give it a try after reading this.
This looks like a nice hearty way to include quinoa. I have had it in a few dishes but need to try this one.
I love quinoa! I hadn’t realized it helped you lose weight. You can bet I’ll be eating it more often.
Debra,
It’s an amazing ancient grain! Just remember to use fresh veggies with it, like spinach, kale, bell peppers. Veggies add FIBER to control your blood sugar and support your healthy weight. Just Do It – think + do!
I lvoe quinoa and have been using it for a while now. I have made some really great meals with it including my vegetarian chili fr the superbowl. It is super healthy but I did not know it was great for the skin. Good to know.
This recipe looks delicious. I would just use GF soy sauce and be good to go! I am kind of in love with quinoa!
This recipe sounds so good!! I am always looking for new ways to make quinoa, I am going to have to try this one out!
That recipe is awesome! I recently fell in love with quinoa, and I’ve been using it in everything. It’s so good for you and so filling. Thanks for sharing this!
Stacie,
I am experimenting with quinoa these days. I’ve been using this grain for the past 10 years and started eating it when it was exceptionally hard to find and buy (was ordering online only.) Today, I am roasting tri-color quinoa and coating veggies in it! I”ll post a picture of the coated Avocado slices – tastes heavenly.
Looks really good
I love that grain !
I’ve only had it with fried mushrooms and onions and green peppers though !
Dawn,
2017 is the year of You cooking with Quinoa! You will love it!
I love to use quinoa in place of rice or pasta in some dishes. This recipe looks great. I’ll have to try it soon!
I have seen quinoa several times but haven’t tried it yet. I also read that it truly helps someone to loose some weight. What a delicious recipe! I would love to make one in the future.
Mhaan,
This Ancient Grain has a truly golden nutritional profile!
It can take in the flavors you cook with. I love it with my home-made sauces. I use it in green salads, stuffed bell peppers, soups. It is so VERSATILE!
most of my friends eat quinoa. I dont even know why i haven’t tried it yet. maybe because rice is preferred in my house hehe. will try to taste quinoa one day. i’m sure it taste yummy using your recipe you shared today. thanks!
Tauyanmn,
You will love quinoa! It is so versatile! You can try your favorite sauces and veggies with it and use it instead of rice – you can discover a new world for yourself!
I love Quinoa, and this recipe looks yummy. I may have to try it.
Vanessa,
I am now experimenting with roasting tri-color quinoa and coating veggies and avocado in the grains. Tastes heavenly. I use it in salads and tacos! I’ll post pictures in this post as an example.
This recipe looks amazing! Quinoa is awesome because it has so many benefits! It’s also versatile and it absorbs flavor well!
I have never had Quinoa but I know some of my friends love it. Based on my goals for 2017 I am definitely going to have to try it. Hopefully I can come up with a recipe even the kids will like.
This looks like a fantastic recipe. I love the way that you have laid out all of the health benefits.