As a sports nutritionist I’m actually a bit embarrassed to say that just two or three years ago I didn’t know what quinoa was. Well, I did know is was a source of complex carbs, but I thought only tree-hugging hippies actually ate the stuff.
Fast forward to 2008. Quinoa is one of the staple foods in my toolbox. After learning what an incredible, nutrient-dense source of complex carbs quinoa is, I’ve been preaching its benefits ever since.
Whether you’re a house wife or a professional bodybuilder, quinoa is a food you should be aware of and should try.
Earlier this year while getting ready for the Ironman Pro and the Arnold Classic, I had IFBB Pro Desmond Miller switch from oatmeal to quinoa in his diet. Later I half apologized for the switch, assuming Desmond hated giving up the oats for the more obscure and unknown quinoa. I was wrong.
"I actually like the quinoa better" he said. "It goes down easier and doesn’t make me feel too full or bloated."
As I thought about what Desmond said, I realized that I liked the quinoa better as well.
Lets look at the nutrition value of a 40g serving (dry weight) of quinoa.
Nutrition Value of Quinoa
Serving Size: 40g (dry weight)
Protein: 5.7g
Carbs: 25.7g (2.8g of which is fiber)
Fat: 2.4g
Calories: 147
If you prefer to cook your quinoa in bulk like I do (which you can’t really do with oatmeal), the same serving (as above) would weigh 120g, which is about 4oz.
