Hello my blissies! We completed the first week of the SGS Cleanse!! I’m so happy I made it this far. It seemed like the longest week of my life LOL!! I realize how much better I feel without the gluten and the sugar. I don’t think soy is that big of a deal, but I would really like to keep fake soy meats out of my life except in special social situations or occasions. Sugar I want to be off for good though!
You are either on or off sugar. It’s more addictive than heroin. I realize now that I can’t just have a little. One cookie turns into 2 and having something filled with sugar more than once a day. Have you ever done a sugar-cleanse? It takes at least a week or two to feel the good effects of being off the stuff, then your body stops craving it physically. It’s our mind and emotions that crave it. We know the wonderful feeling we receive from it and that’s what we crave. Also social situations can be difficult when you want to participate in sharing treats, but I think I will just deal.
SO bye-bye sugar. I don’t need you in my life anyways. Your highs are not worth your lows. I will continue to have small amounts of natural sweeteners like maple, brown rice syrup, coconut palm, and dates after the cleanse is over. But no more cane sugar, turbinado, sucanat, brown sugar or the like. Those are all the same and addictive. Fruit of course is the best sweetener there is and I think after this cleanse I will be able to appreciate a piece of fruit for a dessert 
Which leads me to this Meatless Monday recipe!
I made this beautiful quinoa dish for a potluck last night. It started at 5, so at 4pm I pulled myself away from the computer to see what the fridge held. I’m mostly that kind of cook, I literally just open the fridge and make something magical out of what is available. I had a mango on it’s way out and blueberries still from that sale at Whole Foods. So this Summer Fruity Quinoa was born. Throw in some orange and herbs and you’e got the perfect potluck dish (or for any meal!).
This makes quite a lot to share, so feel free to cut it in half if you aren’t serving a group.
Ingredients
- 2 cups quinoa, washed and drained
- 2 1/2 cups water
- Pinch salt
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 tablespoon yuzu vinegar
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Dash cinnamon
- Dash cumin
- Dash cayenne
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup mango, chunks
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half or fourths
- 1 tablespoon mint, chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- Salt, to taste
Preparation
Combine quinoa, water, and salt in a saucepan (with lid) and bring to a boil. Lower flame to simmer, cover, and cook for 25 minutes. Remove lid and place quinoa in a large bowl. Fluff and spread quinoa out around the edges of the bowl so it cools.
In a small bowl whisk together the next six ingredients. Stir in dressing and the rest of ingredients to quinoa and mix until well combined. Season with salt to taste. Chill in fridge for at least 10 minutes before serving.
http://theblissfulchef.com/2011/06/meatless-monday-summer-fruity-quinoa/I forgot to mention this recipes is oh so perfect for your 4th of July BBQ coming up. What what!! Do you have any fun plans for the weekend?
Tuesday, June 28, 2011 - 12:41 am
I had a great fruity quinoa salad last week as well – brimming with blueberries and mangoes, too! I agree that I work so much better without the refined sugars but lately I have found fruit to be a bit addictive, too, so I have been opting more for veggies to bring things under control. Gah… except apples. Apples are my friend.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 - 3:46 pm
How funny!!
I don’t think I could ever give up fruit honestly! But I do love me some veggies
Friday, July 1, 2011 - 9:20 am
This looks great-I usually love the sweet and savory combos. But what is yuzu vinegar?
Monday, July 4, 2011 - 2:07 pm
Yuzu vinegar is Japanese using the yuzu fruit (like an orange). You can sub rice or red wine vinegar if you can't find it.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012 - 9:28 am
[...] Summer Fruity Quinoa: Fruity and zesty with a tiny spicy kick – perfect for a summer pot luck to show everyone how amazing quinoa salad can be. [...]