A few years ago my family and I went on a trip of a lifetime to Peru.
While we were there, our guide Melissa – who knew I was passionate about healthy foods and herbs – kept pointing out all the healing plants and quinoa fields we would pass. This picture is me next to a Quinoa plant at the bottom of an ancient Inka agricultural center.
One day, Melissa pointed to a field that was gorgeous and filled with red plants.
She said:
“That’s Kiwicha, it’s even healthier for you than Quinoa!”
I, of course was intrigued and throughout the trip, I kept noticing the beautiful Kiwicha fields but had no idea what the heck Kiwicha was in English?
Finally, when we were in a town with a grocery store, I went hunting. I found exactly what I was looking for. A package with KIWICHA written on the front and a small English translation sticker on the back. It was AMARANTH!
Did you know that Amaranth:
- is packed with protein
- packed with fiber
- is gluten-free
- loaded with is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin B6, vitamin K, vitamin C, folate and riboflavin
Plus, research indicates that Amaranth:
- Has anti-inflammatory, cancer-fighting properties
- Is high in phytosterols so it reduces ‘bad’ cholesterol
- Benefits patients with cardiovascular disease
It’s a superfood!!!
It’s one of those foods that I hope you will love, because I want you to love the food that loves you back!
Today I’m sharing with you my favorite way to eat Amaranth. I make it into a porridge that is sweet (without refined sugars – I use Stevia drops), and lusciously rich, due to the coconut butter. The medium-chain fatty acids in coconut oil are soooo good for you. I use Coconut butter or Coconut Manna in this recipe.
When I eat this delicious and flexible (add whatever you love!) porridge, I am satisfied for hours, and my energy is high. I’ve been eating it as a midmorning snack (’cause I start my day with a green smoothie or green juice), but it would make a great breakfast or desert if you topped it with extra berries, coconut flakes and maple syrup.
Kiwicha – Amaranth porridge
Ingredients:
- 1.5 Cups Amaranth
- 3-4 Cups Water – you may need to add water depending on how high your heat is and if a lot of water evaporates.
- 1/4 – 1/3 cup Coconut Butter or Coconut Manna
- 1/2 tsp Cardamom (or cinnamon)
- 1 cubed Mango (or any fruit)
- 4 drops Vanilla Stevia
- 1 tablespoon Raw Honey or Maple Syrup (optional – it’s very nice without the added sweetener as well)
Directions:
- Cook Amaranth with water for 25 minutes, until all water is absorbed but it’s still creamy.
- Stir in Coconut Butter, or Coconut Manna until they melt completely.
- Add Cardamom and Stevia
- Top with fruit.
- Drizzle with raw honey or maple syrup if more sweetness is desired.
I’m totally into Amaranth right now, and hope that you will try it too!
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Nina Manolson, MA, CHC, certified Health Coach and Psychology of Eating Coach believes that every women deserves to feel good in their own body. She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can love their body and life! She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and NourishedWomanNation.com
She helps busy women look and feel their best. She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their body and food. She helps women step into a new wellness paradigm that makes it real and do-able and makes self-care a sustainable healthy habit.
She’s the author of “Feed Your Kids Well In A World That Doesn’t: an everyday guide to make healthy food happen in your home and beyond”. She’s also the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.
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Nina Manolson, MA, NBC-HWC, is a Body-Peace™ Coach.
She is a board certified Health Coach, Psychology of Eating Coach and Certified Body-Trust Provider, believes that every woman deserves to feel good in her own body.
She helps women create a healthy and positive relationship with their food and body so they can truly feel at peace in their body! She’s the founder of NinaManolson.com and The Nourished Woman Nation.
She specializes in working with women over 40 who have tried many other diets and approaches but are still struggling with their relationship to body and food.She’s the creator of the BODY-LOVE MAP and the recipient of the prestigious Health Leadership Award from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition.To take a powerful step on the Body-Peace™ Path, download your Practicing Body-Peace Journal right HERE.
If you’d like help with navigating an authentic and respectful relationship with your body. Let’s talk.
I didn’t know it was GF!