Plainfield Magazine September/October 2015 | Page 16

FOOD

Quinoa

Salad
Recipe

A quick, healthy, colorful meal loaded with
antioxidants, amino acids, and a bit of Asian flavor!

"Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to
you to merit the face you have at fifty." —Coco Chanel
By Tira Collins, Comfort N Spice Personal Chef Service

aging gracefully. Consume more “power” or
“super foods." This refers to specific nutrient
rich foods and/or dishes designed to boost
nutritional benefit and flavor. These foods are
typically antioxidant rich and naturally low in
calories. Power foods are touted as a means to
improve well-being and longevity. Most fruits
and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein
are considered power foods. As your body ages,
it requires more protein to ensure a healthy
immune and muscular system. Your body also
needs vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
Hydration tops the list of recommendations found in fruits and vegetables. Fruits and
for healthy aging. You must drink more water vegetables can be fresh, frozen, or canned
than your body consumes. Many medications
and illnesses create a greater need for fluid  quinoa /ˈkēn-wä/
intake. Try drinking at least one glass of water
Quinoa, pronounced “Keen-wah,” is
with each meal. Keep a bottle of water with
you at all times and sip on it throughout the a gluten free source of protein, fiber, iron,
day. Add a slice of lemon or lime, cucumber, amino acids, phosphorus, and calcium. Try it
berries, oranges, and/or fresh herbs to your in place of rice or even pasta in some of your
water for a vitamin boost and added flavor favorite dishes. It has a slight nutty taste and
and refreshment. (If you have heart or a slight crunch. It is somewhat bland on its
kidney problems please consult your doctor own but it picks up flavors and seasonings
for guidelines on your fluid intake. Everyone well in stir-fries, salads, broth bowls, or with
should follow their doctor/nutritionist’s dressings or sauces.
guidelines for maximum health.)
Note: To adapt the recipe for a special diet, or need recipe
I’ve read that the expressions you
characteristically show when you are young
become your facial expressions when you get
older. Your expressions determine how your
face wrinkles. So, supposedly, if you frown a lot,
frown lines become engraved into your face as
you age; if you smile a lot, happy expressions
become etched into your face. Similarly, what
you eat also shows on your face –and other
body parts. If you want to age well, take care of
yourself from the inside out.

Wise food choices are next on the list for

consultation and menu planning services, contact Chef Tira via