Photo: Dan Mogford
Detox diets don’t have to be an unhealthy fad. By eliminating overly processed food and embracing organic produce and grains, you can rid your body of toxins while still giving yourself much-needed energy and clarity.
This quinoa and chicken bowl recipe can be a great foundational meal for your detox diet. Think of this recipe as a guided suggestion. You can easily substitute different grains, proteins, vegetables, or healthy fats. But remember, always eat enough calories during your detox diet, especially if you are a new mother. Severe restriction will only slow down your metabolism, and prevent you from feeling healthy.
Quinoa
Quinoa is one of the world’s super-grains. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Most importantly it contains the amino acid, lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. Quinoa can serve as a whole grain base for lunch, dinner, or even breakfast. You can add vegetables and proteins for lunch and dinner or yogurt, walnuts, and fresh fruit for breakfast. Easier to cook than rice, quinoa is a must-have during your detox diet.
Chicken
Chicken breasts provide your body with lean protein, which will sustain you throughout the day and prevent sharp spikes of hunger. If you are a vegetarian, edamame beans are a good substitute. Additionally, fish, especially salmon, is an ideal alternative if you are tired of chicken breasts. Just make sure each meal has at least a 3 oz serving of protein.
Avocado and simple vinaigrette
Many people wrongly assume that a detox diet should be devoid of fat. In fact, the opposite is true. Healthy fats coat your intestines and allow your body to absorb nutrients from the all the healthy produce and grains you’re consuming during your detox diet. Be sure to add healthy fat to each meal. Avocado and a simple salad dressing (devoid of added preservatives or sugars) is a simple and delicious way to fulfill that nutritional requirement
Quinoa and Chicken Bowl
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked quinoa
3 oz grilled chicken
1-2 tbsp simple vinaigrette (a balsamic vinaigrette works well)
1 avocado half, chopped
1-2 cups steamed vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, carrots)
1/3 cup steamed edamame beans
Directions:
1. Combine cooked quinoa, grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, edamame beans, and avocado in a large bowl. Pour dressing over ingredients and toss until evenly distributed. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold. Enjoy with a tall glass of iced green tea.
About Monet Moutrie
Monet Moutrie is a writer and baker, who lives in Austin, Texas with her three cats and husband. Between government work, graduate school and her own blog, Anecdotes and Apple Cores, nothing sounds better to Monet than an evening of yoga, a cup of Earl Grey tea and a novel. Knock on her front door and you'll find her pulling out a loaf of bread from the oven while brainstorming ideas for her own work of fiction.
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