Orange, Avocado & Fennel Salad - CLEAN Nutrition Weight Loss recipe

I never really cared for fennel until I made this recipe.  This salad is refreshing and delicious. In fact it’s so tasty that I will sometimes have leftovers for breakfast.  I found this recipe in Matthew Kenney and Sarma Mengailis’ cookbook, Raw Food Real World - great book, by the way. It is a CLEAN recipe (made only with whole foods) therefore making it a great addition to one’s repertoire of weight loss recipes.

Serves 4

Ingredients
- 1 large fennel bulb (or 2 smaller fennel bulbs)
- 2 avocados
- 5 oranges (or substitute with 3 grapefruits)
 - ¼ cup olive oil
- 1-2 handfuls of mint
- 1 tbsp of lime juice
- Sea salt and pepper

Directions
1. Cut oranges  and expose the flesh by removing the membrane
2. Peel, pit and slice avocados
3. In a bowl, whisk oil with lime juice and some salt.
4 Place sliced avocado in bowl and pour some dressing over it. Toss very gently to coat.
5. Add the fennel, the remaining dressing and the mint to the oranges and toss. Combine avocado with the oranges and fennel.
6. Place in plates, add salt and pepper and serve.

CLEANnutrition.ca Toronto Weight Loss and Nutrition

Quinoa, Beet & Avocado Salad

I love salad. Salads are refreshing, light and packed with nutrients - if you skip the cream dressing and minimize the cheese.  But many people think that salads are boring and the truth is that I too get bored of green salads. So I am constantly looking for alternatives, especially as the weather gets colder and my body craves heartier foods.  This quinoa salad is a great alternative… 


What is Quinoa?
Quinoa, (pronounced keen-wah) is a grain unlike other grains. It is extremely nutritious. It is full of protein. It contains 16 grams of protein, which is more protein than 2.5 eggs.  Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate and is high in fibre and in iron. It contains two important minerals, copper and manganese, which work together as an antioxidant and help the body fight free radicals, which can cause the body to develop cancer and disease.

Quinoa for Weight Loss
Quinoa also supports weight loss since it is a good source of protein and is a complex carbohydrate. In addition to leaving you satisfied after eating, quinoa will also give your body the energy needed in your weight loss efforts. Quinoa is a gluten-free protein.

Where to buy this grain
Another thing that I love about this grain is its versatility.  Most of you may know the white quinoa but red and black quinoa are also available.  You can find the grain at many grocery stores (check the health section), bulk stores, and health stores.

Here’s what I made for lunch yesterday and again today… It’s delicious and nutritious:


Ingredients
•    2/3 cup quinoa (any kind)
•    1 avocado
•    1 grapefruit
•    1 bunch of beets, cooked and peeled
•    Lemon juice
•    Chopped parsley
•    Feta goat cheese (optional)
•    You can also throw in some nuts or seeds (walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds)
•    1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (plain or honey)
•    2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
•    5 tablespoons olive oil

Directions

Cook the quinoa

- Rinse the quinoa under warm water and drain. (Quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that repels insects and birds and can create a bitter taste.) Add to a pot with twice the amount of water. Bring to a boil. Simmer and cover. Cook until all the water is absorbed – about 15 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.

Vinaigrette

-    In a small bowl, combine the mustard with the vinegar. Add the oil and mix. Season with pepper and salt.
-    Peel avocado and cut into cubes. To prevent browning (oxidation) drizzle with lemon juice.
-    Peel the grapefruit, remove the white membranes and slice.
-    Slice the beets in halves and quarters.
-    Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and dress with the vinaigrette.
-    Serve and enjoy!

- CLEANnutrition.ca Toronto Weight Loss and Nutrition