French Skinny by Christmas

Cherry Tomatoes & Heirloom Tomatoes

 4 days of Thanksgiving indulgence has left me wanting needing to go back to the French Skinny lifestyle.

The French Skinny lifestyle that is fast, efficient and delicious. 

Sweet Basil

 Saturday morning's Farmers Market was fantastic. 

I picked up some fresh herbs. 

Sprouts

 Different kinds of sprouts.

Peas

 Threw it all together and it looks like this.

Half a cup of dry Red Quinoa cooked with vegetable broth instead of water.
Add tomatoes, onion, sweet basil, sprouts, peas, mung beans, pine nuts, olive oil, balsamic vinegar and cayenne pepper.
Garlic quark on top.  (Goat cheese is wonderful mixed in as well.)

 All of these out of a half a cup of quinoa! I packed them in their own little containers and popped them in the fridge. I don't have to think about what I'll have for lunch all week. (Except to drool)
This might seem a little monotonous to you but I crave this stuff. It's super healthy and ready to go.

You can eat it cold but I like mine hot. 

Fresh mint and lemon for my sparkling water. 

I'm having tea with almond milk instead of half and half.

Walking at least 2 miles a day.

Let's get French Skinny by Christmas!

4 weeks to go. 

Red Quinoa Salad

Red Quinoa Salad

I've been researching this crazy super food, Quinoa, lately and I'm determined to incorporate it into our life.  It's not only high in protein, it's a complete protein. What does that mean? A complete protein supplies all nine essential amino acids. It's got a whole bunch of other good things but the real question is, can we make it taste good? Because if it doesn't taste good no one will eat it. 

I bought some Red Quinoa and dove in. It only takes about 20 minutes total to cook. I made it with vegetable broth instead of water. Once it was done cooking, I put it in a bowl and  added......

Cherry tomatoes, halved.

Toasted pine nuts.

Onion chopped.

Lots of garlic.

A couple tablespoons of olive oil.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Fresh Basil and Italian Parsley from my herb garden.

A little salt. 

Here's the truth. Hubby walked in, looked at my Red Quinoa Salad and in a horrified voice asked, "What is this? It looks like something from the planet Zolderfron."

"Don't eat it yet! I have to add the herbs."

"Oooo I'm holding myself back."

"It's a super food. Tons of protein and extra goodness."

Once I finished the salad, Hubby (Mr. Snoopy Pants), walked back in and tried a bite.....then another.......then another. He won't admit it, but he liked it. 

I'm going to add a little goat cheese to it for lunch. 

Bon Appétit!