Breakfast Quinoa

on December 6, 2009
in Twilight Obsession

I was having trouble falling asleep last night when this delicious breakfast dish came to mind!

IMG_3407

Not that I ever get sick of oatmeal, but it’s nice to have a new whole grain to eat for breakfast!  Did you know 1 cup of cooked quinoa has 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber?

IMG_3412

Breakfast Quinoa

 

Ingredients:

 

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/4 cup vanilla rice milk
  • 1 sliced banana
  • 3 diced dates
  • 3 pinches cinnamon
  • 1 pinch nutmeg
  • 1 pinch ginger
  • 1 pinch pepper
  • 1 tablespoon flax
  • 1/2 tablespoon brown sugar

 

Directions:

 

  • After cooking quinoa, combine quinoa with all ingredients except brown sugar in a small pot.
  • Cook on medium low, stirring constantly until bananas are mostly melted in and rice milk is evaporated (about 5 minutes).
  • Plate and top with brown sugar.
  • Enjoy!

IMG_3410

In Other News…

 

Australia really seems to love Operation Beautiful (as does Germany, for some reason).  Check out this sweet magazine blurb that an Aussie reader told me about!

Girlfriend_NewMooncoversmall

DSCF3589

Can I just say how awesome it is that the cover of the magazine has Bella and Jacob on it!?  Too bad it wasn’t Edward.  🙂

 

Off to get some work done and then I’m going on a short recovery run.  Have a good day!

 

What grains do you use for breakfast?  Do you ever venture beyond the “normal” breakfast grains?

{ 75 comments }

 

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite December 6, 2009, 8:55 am

    That’s awesome about the magazine blurb!!!

  • Evan Thomas December 6, 2009, 9:00 am

    I have oatmeal 95% of my days for breakfast. today is one of those rare days I’m not and instead having a whole wheat cinnamon raisin roll. Yum!

  • christie, honoring health December 6, 2009, 9:03 am

    I can’t get over the sperm like tails on quinoa. I know, I have a sick mind but it is what it is.

    Congrats on the article, that is awesome.

  • Madeline @ GreensAndJeans December 6, 2009, 9:04 am

    So cool about the magazine spot! I’m an oatmeal girl, but I have toyed around with quinoa and bulgur for breakfast.

  • Susan December 6, 2009, 9:07 am

    Congrats on that article. So cool that it has Twilight on the cover!

    As for b-fast grains, I’m normally an oatmeal/oatbran kinda girl. Although I guess it would be more accurate to say I’m a nutbutter girl, since my breakfasts are usually heavier on the nutbutters than grains…ahh well!

  • Karla December 6, 2009, 9:10 am

    Woah! Congratulations! That’s amazing that Operation Beautiful got on a cover!

    Sweet quinoa sounds great!

  • Bridget December 6, 2009, 9:11 am

    I eat a lot of barley. It’s easy to find here (though not always cheap). I still have about 5 lbs. of oatmeal from Costco Japan though, and am SO thankful. I find really amazing pumpkin baked oats in Tokyo for special occasions (they aren’t cheap but are AMAZING).

  • Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) December 6, 2009, 9:13 am

    I usually stick to oats and whole grain bread for breakfast, but occasionally I’ll have cornmeal grits with maple syrup. I was raised in Georgia, so it must be the Southern girl in me 🙂

    Yay for recovery runs!

  • Mel @ She Runs Brooklyn December 6, 2009, 9:21 am

    I haven’t ever gotten grain-crazy, but I have been known to eat steamed brocoli and chick peas when I’m feeling especially healthy in the morning. Weird? I know.

    Congrats on being in the magazine. Jeez that’s cool.

  • Jen (Running With Cake) December 6, 2009, 9:21 am

    How awesome that Operation Beautiful was featured in an Aussie magazine. Congrats!

  • Jenna December 6, 2009, 9:30 am

    great new breakfast idea!
    jenna

  • Niki (Running In Pink) December 6, 2009, 9:30 am

    Love the magazine cover (and the blurb! Go you!)! I’ve been on an oat bran kick lately in the mornings. It’s just a little more creamy than regular oatmeal, but it’s goooood!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) December 6, 2009, 9:31 am

    great looking breakfast! Congrats on the magazine placement! So exciting!

  • Valerie (College Girl Eats) December 6, 2009, 9:32 am

    I thought I was venturing when I would try steel cut oats instead of old-fashioned ones! I’ve got some quinoa in the pantry though, so I’ll definitely be trying this next!

  • candice December 6, 2009, 9:33 am

    Hmmm, I’ll consider switching it up! Quinoa is such a delicious, fluffy grain—sounds like the perfect breakfast option. 😉

    Congratulations on the magazine spot!

  • Matt December 6, 2009, 9:33 am

    I usually eat my Old Wessex 5 grain hot cereal or oatmeal for breakfast. I really like quinoa though so I should try that. I actually bought a bunch yesterday in the bulk bins so this is good timing!

  • VeggieGirl December 6, 2009, 9:38 am

    Raw buckwheat for me!

  • kilax December 6, 2009, 9:39 am

    That is interesting that OB was in a magazine and you didn’t even know about it! I wonder how much press it gets that you don’t find out about!

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 9:49 am

      i know! i have a Google Alert set for it, but that only catches some stuff.

  • Erin December 6, 2009, 9:55 am

    I’ve never thought about eating quinoa for breakfast! hmmm… my current favorite is oat bran, which has a nice nutty flavor compared to oatmeal.

  • Lara (Thinspired) December 6, 2009, 10:03 am

    So exciting about the Girlfriend feature! The first thing I thought was how appropriate it was that it was a New Moon cover 😉
    I didn’t get a chance to comment earlier…CONGRATS on your half marathon!

  • debby December 6, 2009, 10:32 am

    I routinely add quinoa and flax meal to my oatmeal, but I’ve been wondering about having the quinoa straight. Thanks for the recipe idea.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg December 6, 2009, 10:38 am

    Cool blurb!!

    I just made barley bancakes for breakfast last week, and they were awesome! Hmmm…perhaps a quinoa pancake is up next?

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance......after a 100+ pound weight loss! December 6, 2009, 10:41 am

    CONGRATS on the magazine, that is so great!!! =)

    I have never had quinoa before but want to try it now.

  • TanyaS December 6, 2009, 10:42 am

    I am a steel cut oat fan, love the chewy factor, but to switch it up sometimes I like to mix quinoa and oats. Its a texture party in my mouth!

  • Jocelyne December 6, 2009, 10:54 am

    I think it is hilarious that the magazine cover says “Love Twiangle” I’m totally using that! So cool that you’ve gone international! Love your blog

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 10:58 am

      hahah I liked “New Swoon”

  • Jacquie December 6, 2009, 10:55 am

    Congratulations on the magazine article. I’ve been doing advocacy work and research for body image and eating disorders and Germany and Australia are both countries/ continents that have embraced the idea of a healthy image rather than a think one :o)

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 10:58 am

      oh! maybe that’s why they love it so much – how awesome.

  • Lana December 6, 2009, 10:57 am

    Congratulations on the magazine article!!!
    Quinoa for breakfast sounds delightful! Thanks for the great idea!!!! I’m definitely going to have to pick some up at the store!!!

    One of my favorites is steel cut oats, with strawberries and blueberries on top!

  • Adriane December 6, 2009, 11:05 am

    Sweet! International recognition. Gotta be good for the book deal!

    When the mood strikes, I love using Kashi pilaf in place of my normal oats.I cook it up and mix in raisins, walnuts or whatever else sounds good that morning.

  • Courtney December 6, 2009, 11:07 am

    CONGRATS! That is so cool you are being featured in foreign magazines..you are an international phenom!!! :>

    Courtney
    adventures in tri-ing

  • Jennifer December 6, 2009, 11:15 am

    Re: The magazine cover…what does “OMJ!” mean? Anyone?

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 12:09 pm

      oh my jacob?

  • Laura December 6, 2009, 11:18 am

    Wow- you are becoming famous! I haven’t seen/heard anything about Operation Beautiful in the U.K. yet, but if you start leaving post-it notes all around London at Christmas it might catch on here too!
    I’ve tried lots of different variations on porridge- here I can get millet, buckwheat and amaranth (even better profile than quinoa!), flakes- also quinoa flakes which you can cook like quick cooking oats, but I do like oatbran. Quinoa, buckwheat and amaranth are especially great for us vegetarians/vegans because they are complete protein sources (like in meat, eggs), so helps beat those questions about ‘where do you get your protein from’?! I haven’t ever heard of having cornmeal for breakfast before though, that sounds fun… I hope your knees are holding up today!

  • Julie @savvyeats December 6, 2009, 11:20 am

    Quinoa is my FAVORITE breakfast grain. I’m actually eating some right now. Yum!

  • Kay December 6, 2009, 11:45 am

    FYI: Quinoa is technically a seed, and not a true grain (hence it’s high protein content).

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 12:10 pm

      hmm, interesting!

  • whitney December 6, 2009, 11:59 am

    your breakfast looks so good and very creative. Congrats on the accomplishment of the magazine that has to be a wonderful feeling!

    I like to switch my breakfast up on occasion but never with different grains. Oats are a staple but I will def. begin experimenting.

  • adriana December 6, 2009, 12:08 pm

    This is a weird question. In the summer, I mostly run in brief lined running shorts. But during the winter, I prefer running pants. Or crop pants like you were for your half. My dilemma is, what kind of underwear do you wear with those? I have a feeling I shouldnt be wearing cotton undies, but i do not know where to find “running underwear” if it even exists.

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 12:10 pm

      i just dont wear underwear when i run, ever. i like the shorts with built-in underwear, but i really see no reason to wear underwear with tights.

    • Bronwyn December 6, 2009, 12:26 pm

      I know stores like lululemon sell “athletic underwear” usually made from a morth lycra like fabric, with no seams, so it won’t rub. It’s $$$$$ though, so I’ve never tried it to see if it works. Maybe other stores have similar ideas.

    • Cindy December 6, 2009, 2:47 pm

      I had always wondered this. I just don’t feel confident running or doing any exercising without underwear. I’m not thin or toned up enough to feel I could go commando.

      • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 3:02 pm

        i think you should rock the commando look 🙂 i’ve stared at a lot of asses during races, and i think jiggly butt are something you worry about more in theory than is actually occurring, even for ‘larger’ woman. trust me! do whatever makes you feel comfortable.

  • Sana December 6, 2009, 12:22 pm

    Congratss!!!Your b-fast looks yummie!

  • Bronwyn December 6, 2009, 12:27 pm

    Glad to see that Operation Beautiful is going international! Every country needs it I think. 🙂

  • Melissa S. December 6, 2009, 12:50 pm

    yay for OB in Australia!!! makes me want to go back even more now…

    and i really need to branch out of my oats and oat bran…boo. so boring i am.

  • Good Taste. Healthy Me December 6, 2009, 12:53 pm

    Congrats! That is awesome! I know what you mean about Edward but Jacob looked amazing in New Moon! Yum! 😉

  • Kristen December 6, 2009, 12:55 pm

    Jacob’s body is AMA-ZING in New Moon, I don’t care if he’s 17!!!!!!!!!!

    Congrats on the magazine insert! Awesome! 🙂

  • Nicci@NiftyEats December 6, 2009, 1:19 pm

    Great idea with the quinoa and adding a touch of sweet breakfast. I want some now. yay, for Operation Beautiful Worldwide

  • stina December 6, 2009, 1:27 pm

    I totally made apple cinnamon breakfast quinoa yesterday!

  • lauren @ Eater not a runner December 6, 2009, 1:51 pm

    I love quinoa but I’ve never tried it for breakfast, what a great idea!

  • Molly December 6, 2009, 2:04 pm

    Hi Caitlin! How cool about your article! Congrats! I have a quick question- I just got a Garmin yesterday and went on a ten mile run this morning (PDR!!). I want to know my mile times (splits?) but I can’t figure it out. Was I supposed to press “lap” after each mile to keep track of that? The uploaded data just gives my total time as one lap.

    Sorry if that’s confusing and I hate to bother with my silly question, but being a long time reader I knew you’d be the one to ask!

    Thanks!

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 2:32 pm

      no such thing as silly q’s!

      go to mode –> training –> training options —> auto lap. and then set the auto lap to on and have it set for 1.0 mile. it will then automatically lap after each mile.

      • Molly December 6, 2009, 2:37 pm

        Perfect! Got it. Thanks again!

  • Tay December 6, 2009, 2:08 pm

    I used to make almost that exact dish using couscous. In fact, it was my pre-long run breakfast meal 🙂 Delicious!! And congrats on your magazine publication!

  • VeggieGirl December 6, 2009, 2:24 pm

    Caitlin – I’ve bene following your blog for quite some time now. Congrats on your sub 2 hour half marathon. That is awesome!!

    I have lately been loving cream of wheat. That is currently my breakfast grain of choice 🙂

  • Sam (Merit to the Carrot) December 6, 2009, 2:34 pm

    I had breakfast Quinoa this morning, too! How odd 🙂 I LOVE IT.

  • Nicole, MS, RD, LD December 6, 2009, 2:50 pm

    Very cool that Operation Beautiful is all over! And with such big faces associated!

    I love old-fashioned and steel-cut oats, granola, cereals, cream of wheat, shredded wheat, and flaxseed waffles for breakfast. I love ALL breakfast food, so I’m not too picky!

  • Marissa December 6, 2009, 2:53 pm

    Congrats about the international exposure! How fun!

  • Kellie December 6, 2009, 4:04 pm

    I know you have probably said this in your blog before, but where did you get your little spoons? I use little ones when I eat oatmeal, pudding, etc, and I really like yours. My kids Ikea spoons are just not cutting it anymore.

    • Caitlin December 6, 2009, 4:05 pm

      from crate and barrel!

  • eatingrd December 6, 2009, 5:24 pm

    I love quinoa because it is a complete protein and is so versatile. I’ll have to make it for breakfast, yum!

  • Susan December 6, 2009, 5:35 pm

    Sweet quinoa sounds so good! I actually love steel cut oats because they have a similar texture to quinoa. But I usually stick to the usual rolled oats and oat bran. I tried wheat bran once and it was gross.

  • Katy @ These Beautiful Feet December 6, 2009, 7:07 pm

    I was going to make a comment about you being in a magazine with a Twilight cover. 😉 That’s awesome though, you’re going international! 🙂

  • Lindsey @ EatReadRun December 6, 2009, 7:54 pm

    I am totally making your breakfast quinoa recipe next weekend when I have a little time – it looks yummy! Thanks for sharing.

    Congrats on the Aussie mag mention. How amazing.

  • Jenny December 6, 2009, 7:58 pm

    I just bought steel cut oats instead of my normal “instant” oatmeal. unfortunately they are alot harder to make and have exploded in the microwave twice…hopefull i’ll get the hang of it.

  • Amanda @ Cakes and Ale December 6, 2009, 9:14 pm

    Quinoa is actually not a grain! It’s a seed… a cousin of the beet, in fact.
    I was pretty surprised when I found that out, but it’s kind of interesting trivia…

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) December 6, 2009, 9:56 pm

    That is so amazing that OB is appearing in magazines!!!! You are famous girl!!!

    I eat brown rice for breakfast sometimes.

  • Jordan December 6, 2009, 11:05 pm

    The mention in the magazine is awesome!

  • Janessa (epicuriousvegan.blogspot.com) December 6, 2009, 11:20 pm

    Genius on the quinoa! I have some leftover, and I wasn’t sure what to do with it–what a fun idea!

  • pen December 7, 2009, 8:09 pm

    wow! breakfast quinoa sounds great! I never would have thought of that!

  • Emily GG December 8, 2009, 9:46 am

    I love your blog, and lately I have been looking to you as an inspiration for running/exercise/food tips. Like many of the other com mentors above I do a lot of oatmeal for breakfast, but I have been hearing a log about quinoa lately and this breakfast looks awesome. But I do have one odd question, how much dry quinoa makes 1 cup cooked?

    • caitlin December 8, 2009, 9:53 am

      i THINK 1/3 cup dry = 1 cup cooked.

      • Emily GG December 8, 2009, 10:02 am

        Thanks!!

Previous post:

Next post:

Search The Blog

Read by Month:

Read by Topic:

Healthy Tipping Point