Quinoa Taco Salad

Today I have an easy vegetarian meal and some of my current fave food finds to share.  What's going on in your world?

I can't believe it's Wednesday! This week has flown by!  The weather is gray and cool this morning and I'm killing sometime before I tackle some speed work for my 1/2 marathon training. However it is Wednesday, most importantly, What I Ate Wednesday, so let's talk food.
Last night Kyle and I had an easy, vegetarian dinner.  We've been having 1 vegetarian meal a week.  It saves money, saves the environment, and is very healthy.  I'm so far from a vegetarian expert and my meals are still very basic, but it's progress. This week's dinner was inspired by Anne Fannetastic Food.

It's no secret that we are BIG fans of quinoa.  This quinoa taco salad is simple and full of clean flavors. AND quinoa has all the amino acids and is a rare vegetarian source of complete protein. Quinoa Taco Salad for 4:

• 2 cups cooked quinoa
• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 green bell pepper cut in chunks
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 diced avocado
• 1/2 cup diced sharp cheddar
• Salsa to taste

I cooked my quinoa in our rice cooked and then combined it will all the other ingredients. Easy peezy! 

I had to meet with our accountant yesterday, which was something I wasn't looking forward to. Afterwards I treated myself with a trip to Chamberlin's, a small health food store in our area.  I really went to get some Kombucha , but came away with some delicious finds.

Kombucha, Bragg's liquid aminos, coconut butter, and our current snack addiction LENTIL CHIPS!  

I'd been thinking about trying coconut butter for some time and finally found it.  The only ingredient is raw coconut flesh.  That's crazy!  I warmed the coconut butter in the microwave for 15 seconds and stirred it together. I was shocked how sweet the flavor was.

Now, coconut products are high in saturated fat, BUT I recommend them.  The fat in coconut is a medium chain triglyceride that is not processed the same as other saturated fats.  It can be used to generate immediate energy without going to the liver for processing.  Some studies suggest that eating 2 tablespoons a day can help with weight loss.  I'm not that brave yet, but I do regularly use coconut oil and now coconut butter.

What food products are you loving right now?  

What's your fave easy vegetarian dinner?

Love and good grains,

Carissa & Kyle