Quinoa for Weight Loss

What makes Quinoa a Super Weight Loss Food?

Swapping whole grains for refined carbs is a smart way to add extra nutrition- and waist-whittling perks- to comfort foods. But instead of reaching for the same-old brown rice, consider Quinoa.

This hearty seed (a relative of spinach and Swiss chard) contains plenty of stomach-satisfying insoluble fiber. But here’s the difference: One cup of cooked quinoa also packs 9 grams of protein (nearly twice as much as brown rice), which was shown in British studies to trigger the release of the hunger-reducing hormone peptide YY.

This potent combo of fiber and protein means you’ll feel full and enjoy a steady stream of energy that lasts up to 12 hours, according to research in The New England Journal of Medicine. What’s more, quinoa is a rich source of energizing magnesium and immunity-boosting riboflavin. This grain may seem like an unusual pantry staple, but quinoa has been enjoyed in its native South America for years.

You can find it in supermarkets, or order Now Organic Quinoa Grain. For the best deal, look for it in bulk bins at health-food stores. Cook quinoa like rice on the stove or in a rice cooker for 15 to 20 minutes.

Tip: rinse with cold water to remove saponin, a natural compound that can make it bitter.