Quinoa & Chia Seed Porridge is a Great Gluten Free Option and here is why !
In the morning our Stomach Fire/Agni energy is charged between 7am and 9am and this is a good time to feed that fire.
It is important to stoke our fire with Clean Food. This way less toxins/ama will be produced. When our fire is low and toxins are high we will have too much mucous and be prone to colds and coughs. When our fire is burning brightly we have shining eyes and feel vibrant.
In Winter we need to keep our digestive fire high to keep warm with good circulation, so ‘cold breakfast’ is not recommended in winter.
As a general rule Avoid Cold drinks and Cold or Icy Food especially if your digestive fire is low/poor or sluggish digestion.
Practice Bhastrika or Bellows/Fire Breath in your yoga practice.
ON RISING
here are a few options to keep your internal fire clear and bright.
Warm water with added fresh juice of half a Lemon
Ginger Root Tea
Water with added essential Oils e.g. Lemon Essential Oil, Grapefruit or Citrus Fresh – These oils are cleansing and purifying to the system and can be taken in your water throughout the day for added benefit. Two drops per glass.
NingXia Red antioxidant Juice ( by Young Living essential oils) 30 ml in a glass with warm water.
BREAKFAST – best eaten between 7.00am – 9.00am
In Winter especially this is a warm nutritious breakfast that can be made easily. It is Gluten Free and digests very easily.
QUINOA has a high-protein content, great cholesterol-free source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Quinoa (pronounced kinwa) originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. Quinoa is also an excellent source of magnesium, with 118 mg per cup, cooked. According to the USDA nutrient database, one cup of cooked quinoa provides:
Chia Seeds
39.41 g carbohydrates
31 mg calcium
2.76 mg iron
318 mg potassium
13 mg sodium
2.02 mg zinc
CHIA SEEDS – a super food full high in nutrition containing Omega-3 fatty acids.
Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, grown in Mexico dating back to Mayan and Aztec cultures. “Chia” means strength, and folklore has it that these cultures used the tiny black and white seeds as an energy booster. That makes sense, as chia seeds are a concentrated food containing healthy omega-3 fatty acids, carbohydrates, protein, fiber, antioxidants, and calcium.
They are magic little seeds with the highest omega 3 content in nature. They assist in balancing blood sugar and cholesterol – Thus they have been called a Super Food.
Warm Quinoa & Chia Seed Porridge Recipe
This is very nourishing and will get you digestive fire going with a Highly Nutritious Easily Digestible and Yummy breakfast.
It is quick and easy to prepare. This recipe cooks 2 bowls
Take a small cup of Quinoa there are a few varieties – I usually use the organic white for porridge.
Rinse the seeds to remove any bitterness.
Add to the pot with 3 cups of water, or 11/2 cups of water and 11/2 cups coconut milk or rice milk.
Add 3 tablespoons of chia seeds ( these can be easily cooked with the Quinoa or you can soak overnight and add)
For added nourishment plus a little natural sweetness add
2 tablespoons or a small handful of Goji berries,
2 chopped figs/dates
a fresh organic chopped apple or pear to give some sweetness
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
Bring to the boil, stir and then simmer for about 10-15 mins till soft, add more liquid if necessary.