Polly Katherine Hilton

Some Quinoa a Day Keeps The Fat Thighs Away: The True Story of How A Simple Salad Kept Me in Shape!

2.23.TW
 
The Reason
 
I am 21 years old, I am a junior in college, I am single, and I am an aspiring actress. About six months ago, I received the news that I would need braces to prep for inevitable jaw surgery…while my best friend tried to cheer me up by reminding me of the “middle school years,” when braces and brackets were deemed high fashion, a must have accessory, and a right of passage, all I could think about was the fact that I am 21, single and an aspiring actress; braces are not exactly conducive to my career ambitions and I like to think I’ve finally transitioned out of my awkward phase. I was irrationally devastated by this news; I kid you not, I probably didn’t smile for at least a month. With the braces glued firmly in place, I honestly think I look like I’m 12 years old. It was while I was wallowing in a sea of metal-clad sorrow that I realized that while I am “confined” by bars and brackets, I could reclaim my personal style, confidence and perspective on my body’s image in other ways. For me, that started with overhauling my diet.
 
I’m not much of an emotional eater. In fact, I’m the exact opposite. When I get stressed I tend to not eat much at all, causing me to shut down, lose weight quickly and unhealthily, and become the worst version of myself emotionally and socially. I realized that while my current situation regarding my braces was tough for me to swallow, if I shifted my perspective, took control of my own personal fitness and ate food that not only tasted good but made me feel awesome, my self-confidence would return.
 
Now, I was once a quinoa hater. The very idea of the stuff made my skin crawl. But I am here to testify, that this super grain changed my life. While that sounds overdramatic, it’s entirely true in my case. Recently, I had the immense joy of being cast in a show that required me to both wear a corset under all my costumes and fly via harness and rope. The fly system was based on weight and counter weight, meaning that for both comfort and for personal safety’s sake, along with the rest of the cast, I took it upon myself to get fit and maintain a healthy weight. While working out is prime, maximum physical results cannot be achieved if your regime is not married to a balanced diet. “Balanced” does not begin with denying yourself or starving, as I learned through the incredible book Unbearable Lightness. The best way to find balance is to eat healthy and delicious food until comfortably satisfied. Quinoa, a protein-packed grain with a similar consistency to couscous, was a staple in my diet’s overhaul. Dressed up with colorful veggies, flavorful seasoning and served either hot or cold, quinoa is the secret weapon for anyone and everyone working to eat right. Below is my favorite fast and healthy recipe I have concocted after much trial and error. The good news: It’s easy to prepare, delicious to eat, and an automatic crowd pleaser!
 
The Ultimate Cucumber Quinoa Salad:
 
Ingredients
 
3 cups of organic quinoa
1 diced red pepper (roasted red peppers are equally delicious)
1/3 cup of diced red onion
1 chopped cucumber
1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil (If olive oil isn’t your thing substitute with balsamic vinegar which is possibly even more delicious)
Juice from one lemon
Fresh spinach
Feta cheese (to taste)
 
Serves-
4 to 6 people
 
Cook Time 
15 to 20 minutes
 
Instructions
 
The beauty of this fast and healthy recipe is that it is easy to prepare. Simply follow the directions found on the box of quinoa (brands and cook times vary), and then proceed to wash and chop all your veggies. Once everything is prepped, stir all the ingredients into the cooked quinoa. This salad can be consumed either hot or cold depending on your mood! If you decide to eat it hot, consider adding either some chicken breast or tofu for extra protein and a touch of crushed red pepper for spice. If you choose to let the salad sit in the fridge awhile and eat it cold, consider adding sprigs of mint or cilantro to the mix, and be sure to add the feta cheese after the salad has chilled (you don’t want a goopy and gloppy mess).
 
The Results
 
I’m still stuck in braces and will be for at least the next two months, but I’m proud to report that I’ve never felt better physically in my life and I am in the healthiest possible weight bracket for my age range and height rage, as confirmed by my physician only two weeks ago. I’ve managed to maintain that weight over the past five months, and I believe a lot of that credit boils down to this delicious recipe! Take a chance on this fast and healthy recipe and become a believer in the power of quinoa. It’s like I always say, some quinoa a day keeps the fat thighs away!
 

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