Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bake

Apple Cinnamon Quinoa Breakfast Bake

INGREDIENTS

1 cup uncooked quinoa
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 apples, peeled, diced
1/4 cup raisins
2 eggs
2 cups vanilla soy milk (can substitute regular milk)
1/4 cup maple syrup
1/3 cup almonds, chopped

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 7-by-11-inch baking dish (an 8-by-8 works too).
2. In a small bowl, mix the uncooked quinoa with the spices. Pour into greased dish.
3. Sprinkle the apple and raisins on top of the quinoa.
4. In that same small bowl, beat the eggs. Whisk in the soy milk and maple syrup.
5. Pour the egg-and-milk mixture over the top of the fruit and quinoa. Lightly stir to partially submerge the fruit. Sprinkle the chopped almonds on top.
6. Bake for 1 hour or until the casserole is mostly set with only a small amount of liquid left.
7. Allow to cool, and then cover and refrigerate. In the morning, cut a square, microwave it on a plate, and enjoy alone or with a few dollops of Greek yogurt.

Source: Calorie Count

INFORMATION

Category

 

Casseroles, Breakfast/Brunch

Yield

 

6 servings

Cook Time

 

1 hour, 20 mins

Deconstructing Cravings

The body is an amazing source of intelligence. It is always there for you, pumping blood, never skipping a heartbeat, digesting whatever food you put in it and maintaining homeostasis. Is this reliable, intelligent bio-computer making a mistake by craving ice cream or a hamburger or chocolate? Are cravings due to lack of will-power or discipline? I’d like to suggest that cravings are not a problem. They are critical pieces of information that tell you what your body needs.

The important thing is to understand why you crave what you crave. Perhaps your diet is too restrictive or devoid of essential nutrients. Perhaps you are living a lifestyle that is too boring or stressful. Your body tries to correct the imbalance by sending you a message: a craving. A craving for something sweet could mean you need more protein, more exercise, more water or more love in your life. The key to stopping the sugar craving is to understand and deliver what your body really needs.

No book or theory can tell you what to eat. Only awareness of your body and its needs can tell you. Of all the relationships in our lives, the one with our body is the most essential. It takes communication, love and time to cultivate a relationship with your body. As you learn to decipher and respond to your body’s cravings, you will create a deep and lasting level of health and balance.

The next time you have a craving, treat it as a loving message from your body instead of a weakness. Try these tips to respond to your body:

·         Have a glass of water and wait 10 minutes.

·         Eat a healthier version of what you crave. For example, if you crave sweets, try eating more fruit and sweet or root vegetables.

·         What is out of balance in your life? Is there something you need to express, or is something being repressed? What happened in your life just before you had this craving?

·         When you eat the food you are craving, enjoy it, taste it, savor it; notice its effect. Then you will become more aware and free to decide if you really want it next time.