Today's Tip: Fat Loss ≠ does not equal ≠ Low or No Carb!

Yes, there are plenty of carbs that you should be running away from (and I mean run away screaming) but that's also the case with many proteins and fats. The real trick to fat loss is knowing which foods are the good and which are the bad in every category.

No doubt you have read, heard or even believe that you have to "cut out carbs" in order to lose fat.  Well, let's rethink that one for a minute.  There are plenty of delicious and extremely healthy grains that are a perfect fit to your healthy eating plan, including the one we'll highlight today: quinoa.

First, let's figure out how to say it..."KEEN-wah."  Second, even though quinoa can be considered a super grain, it's not really a grain but the seed of a leafy plant that's distantly related to spinach. Quinoa is incredibly high in protein (very unlike other grains), and is not missing the amino acid lysine, so the protein is more complete. Quinoa offers more iron than other grains and contains high levels of potassium and riboflavin, as well as other B vitamins: B6, niacin, and thiamin. It is also a good source of magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese, and has some folate (folic acid). Did I mention it's a complete food? 

Here's a little side note for ya...in Peru there are many small villages where quinoa is a staple of their everyday diet. And it's not just for the grown-ups...when a mother cannot breastfeed, they boil quinoa and use the water as milk for the baby because of it's nutritional value.  Now, for most of us, we're not exactly trying to replace mother's milk, but we are trying to achieve our ideal weight and an increased level of health. So how does quinoa fit in?

Since quinoa does not contain wheat or gluten, it is a perfect carbohydrate to include into your meal plans when you're following a "no white" meal plan.  And since protein keeps your blood sugar levels stable and makes you feel full longer, the fact that quinoa contains so much protein is just a real bonus.

So where can you include quinoa into your weight loss and healthy meal plans? It's not hard - it is actually a perfect fit into your breakfast, lunch, or dinner.  Over the next couple of days I'll include recipes for each meal of the day...and if you have any of your own, please feel free to share as well!