Eat & Thrive: July Loves

Summertime calls for tropical flavors, pasta salads and nutty smoothies.

I am having a total love affair with quinoa. Quinoa porridge is an excellent alternative to oatmeal, if you're looking to switch it up. Sprinkle it on a salad or make a Bowl with beans, veggies and a killer sauce. This super "grain" is high in protein and a complete protein (includes all 9 essential amino acids). Another plus: quinoa is well-endowed with lysine, which is essential in tissue growth and repair. It's also chock-full of other important nutrients like magnesium, copper, iron and phosphorus.

Ezekiel Sprouted Pasta is also another new found love of mine. Don't expect the pasta you're used to. Instead, treat it like a starchy vegetable. It goes really well with creamy dressings and pestos. I've learned it's an acquired taste (takes a few goes), but now I really dig the grainy starchiness of it. There are 9 g of protein per serving, which is more than almost any other pasta on the market. Did I mention that this pasta is also a complete protein? On top of that, there are 7 g of fiber per serving. Chew on that!

Now for the sweet stuff. My partner has created a simple and MOST satisfying smoothie. Here goes: banana + peanut butter + ice water + Amazing Grass Green SuperFood!! It's so good, you might just pass out...so share with a friend, just in case.

Last but most certainly not the least...IN SEASON FRUIT! Cherries! Peaches! & more!! Fresh fruit is THE best thing you can snack on (aside from fresh veggies). Light, nourishing, fibrous, decadently delicious...need I go on? Head to your organic-friendly grocery, or better yet, the Farmer's Market and nosh nosh nosh...