This is a super easy meal to put together and is just as good the next day. You can serve it warm, room temperature or cold. It's a very versatile dish-- don't have tomatoes? Feel free to add peppers.  Hate cilantro? Simply omit it and add extra parsley. Basically, any veggie goes. 

Using a fine mesh strainer, rinse quinoa with cool water until the water runs clear.
Add  the quinoa to saucepan over low heat.
Stir until all water has evaporated, addd water and a pinch of salt.
Stir to make sure there are no grains stuck to the bottom of the pan.
Bring to a boil, lower the heat and simmer, covered for 10-18 minutes until all the water is absorbed. 
Remove from heat and let stand 5 minutes covered.
Fluff with a fork.
Combine all ingredients in bowl and serve warm or at room temperature.
You can top it off with some diced avocado.

Smoothies are an easy way to pack a lot of nutrition into one meal.  If you are new to green smoothies or are intimidated by adding “greens” to them this is a great recipe for you. Start by adding small amount of greens and slowly work your way up.

1-2 cups fresh spinach (if you are new to green smoothies I recommend you start with 1 cup and work your way up)
2 lemons, peeled and seeded OR ½ cup orange juice
1/2 cup water
1 cup strawberries
1 cup blueberries
2 bananas (frozen)
1 tablespoon almond butter 

Blend the spinach, lemon and water.
​Add the remaining ingredients and blend again. 

This is a great option for those busy mornings, when you have to rush out the door and don't have time to make breakfast. You can make it the night before and have a grab and go option in the morning.

Lately, I've been sticking to plain vanilla and adding fruit and nuts depending on what I have around the house. But you can customize it by adding raw cacao, cinnamon, dried fruit, seeds and nuts.  

For those of you wondering what the heck chia seeds are, they are a tiny seed known to be an excellent source of omega fatty acids, an easily digestible form of protein, excellent vegetarian source of omega fatty acids and are full of minerals, vitamins and soluble fiber. 

In a medium bowl whisk the coconut milk, almond milk, chia seeds, vanilla extract and honey or maple syrup.
Whisk it so that all the ingredients are incorporated and the chia seeds are evenly distributed. 
Transfer to a glass container or fill three or four smaller containers. Let sit in the fridge overnight. 
Top with strawberries and granola for quick and delicious breakfast. 

Have you tried chai pudding before? If so, what are your favorite combinations?