Lunch: Spinach and Pine Nut Quinoa

Make this recipe the same week you make the Spinach Pesto Halibut since it uses a lot of the same ingredients. This nutrition-packed side dish would go great with fish, chicken or pork.

This recipe includes superfoods such as:

Spinach, Nuts

Health benefits of Spinach and Pine Nut Quinoa

Spinach is a nutrient-dense leafy green vegetable that is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron, magnesium, and antioxidants. The high iron content in spinach helps combat anemia, which is common in women with PCOS. Magnesium helps reduce inflammation and improve insulin sensitivity. The antioxidants in spinach can help lower oxidative stress, which is beneficial for managing PCOS symptoms. Including spinach in your diet can support overall health and well-being. Nuts are a natural source of Inositol, a derivative of Vitamin B (which is often prescribed in the form of supplements for women with PCOS). Inositol can effectively control the symptoms of PCOS by reducing insulin resistance and improving insulin sensitivity.

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups low-sodium, reduced-fat chicken broth (or gluten-free broth if cooking gluten-free)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
6 ounces baby spinach leaves
¼ cup pine nuts, toasted
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoon freshly grated Parmesan

Instructions

Cook quinoa according to package directions with chicken broth.
Heat olive oil in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add spinach and sauté for about 5 minutes.
Pour cooked quinoa in a medium bowl; add spinach and remaining ingredients and mix well.