Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, or so we are told, yet many of us skip it or eat the same tired breakfasts each day. Here are two protein-packed, healthy quinoa breakfast bowls that keep you full all morning. Here are two amazing breakfast bowls to start your day. Check out my Healthy Grab and Go Breakfast post for other quick, delicious breakfast options.
Quinoa is a great substitute for rice and oatmeal. It also makes a nice addition to salads to increase the protein content without adding meat. If you are looking to decrease your animal product intake quinoa is a great substitute. A whole grain (it is actually a seed, but no one calls it that) high in fiber, one cup of cooked quinoa has 8 grams of protein.
Basic Cooked Quinoa
I find it helpful to keep cooked quinoa in the fridge so I can add it to recipes as needed. It saves time during the week.
Step 1– Start with 1 cup of uncooked quinoa and rinse it in a colander. This helps get rid of the bitter taste.
Step 2– Bring to a boil, 1 cup rinsed quinoa and 1 3/4 cup water. Simmer (with lid) for 15 minutes.
Step 3– Remove from heat, let stand from 5-10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Use immediately or refrigerate for up to 7 days.
Summer Berry Breakfast Quinoa
Summer Berry Breakfast Quinoa begins with a warm mixture of almond milk, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and quinoa. The smell of the warm spices reminds me of a dessert, but in reality, the bowl is a healthy, protein-packed low-cal breakfast.
Summer Berry Breakfast Quinoa
Delicious, healthy breakfast cereal made of summer berries and protein-packed quinoa.
Ingredients
- 1 C. Summer Berries
- 1/2 C. Unsweetened Almond Milk
- 1 T. Maple Syrup or Honey
- 1 C. Cooked Quinoa
- 1/4 t. nutmeg
- 1/2 cinnamon
- 2 T. slivered or sliced almonds
Instructions
- Wisk together in a medium measuring bowl the almond milk, maple syrup, spices, and quinoa.
- Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes (your desired temperature)
- Divide into two bowls and top with Summer Berries.
Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 251Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 0mgSodium 10mgCarbohydrates 45gFiber 7gSugar 20gProtein 7g
Nutrition information was calculated using Nutritionix and should be used as a general guideline. I am not a registered dietitian or nutritionist, so all data offered is for informational purposes only.
Apple, Peach, Quinoa, and Almond Butter Breakfast Bowl
If you want something a little more substantial for breakfast try this combination of caramelized fruit, quinoa, and almond butter. The almond butter makes the bowl creamy and increases the protein. The recipe uses peach and apple, but apricots, plums, nectarines, and figs also work.
Apple, Peach, Quinoa, and Almond Butter Breakfast Bowl
Healthy, whole-grain breakfast bowl with caramelized apples and peaches. The quinoa and almond butter add extra protein to keep you full until lunch.
Ingredients
- 1 Apple, diced
- 1 Peach, diced
- 2 T. Almond Butter
- 1 Tablespoon of Pure Maple Syrup or Agave
- 1/2 t. cinnamon
- 1/4 t. nutmeg
- pinch of sea salt
- 1/2 of a freshly squeezed lemon
- 1/2 C. cooked quinoa
- 4 T. Unsweetened Almond Milk
Instructions
- Combine the peach, apple, maple syrup, spices, lemon juice, and salt in a small saucepan.
- Stirring frequently, bring the fruit mixture to a boil (using medium-high heat). Cook until fruit is caramelized--about 5-7 minutes.
- Divide the cooked quinoa into two bowls, top with 1/2 of the fruit mixture, add 2 T. Almond Milk and 1 T. Almond Butter. Stir until almond butter is incorporated.
Notes
Substitute seasonal fruit if peaches are not available. Plums and nectarines are also delicious.
Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 291Total Fat 11gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 0mgSodium 74mgCarbohydrates 48gFiber 8gSugar 27gProtein 7g
Nutrition information was calculated using Nutritionix and should be used as a general guideline. I am not a registered dietitian or nutritionist, so all data offered is for informational purposes only.
Whichever bowl you try, play around and add spices and fruit to your personal tastes. Use leftover quiona to create healthy, delicious quinoa breakfast bowls.
