Beauty Detox: Skinny Carbs

Carbohydrates are a tricky food to handle. Many women believe carbs are bad, and that you should eat less of them if you want to lose weight or stay slim. Unfortunately, this is a misconception that often results in weight gain, rather than weight loss. Complex carbohydrates such as whole-grain bread, oats, and quinoa are great sources of slow-releasing energy, so you stay fuller longer. This week celebrity nutritionist Kimberly Snyder brings us a recipe for veggie turmeric quinoa, a yummy salad that's a great way to introduce quinoa into your diet. “Quinoa is a top beauty grain that you should stock in your kitchen and use to make yummy recipes on a weekly basis," says Kim. “It's one of the most nutritious forms of complex carbohydrates in the world, and it contains essential amino acids to form complete plant protein in the body, it helps build muscles, and it is essential for tissue growth and repair. Combined with antioxidant-filled veggies and delicious spices including turmeric, which has anti-inflammatory properties and helps speed up tissue healing, this is a truly beautifying dish. Try it for dinner along with a nice green salad for the ultimate beauty meal!"

Veggie Turmeric Quinoa

1. 1½ cups water

2. ¾ cup dry quinoa

3. 1 to 2 Tbsp coconut oil

4. 1 cup chopped green onion

5. 1½ tsp Celtic sea salt (or to taste)

6. 1 Tbsp curry

7. ½ tsp turmeric

8. 1 red bell pepper, chopped

9. 2 cups broccoli, cut into little pieces

Soak the quinoa in water overnight, and rinse well before using. Place the water in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat, add the quinoa, and simmer until the water is absorbed and the grains become translucent and soft (about 10 to 15 minutes). Strain excess water from the quinoa and set quinoa aside in a bowl.

Heat the coconut oil in a large skillet. Add the green onion and lightly sauté for a few minutes, then add the sea salt, curry, and turmeric. Add remaining vegetables and lightly sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, or until they become softened (but not overcooked). Add the cooked quinoa to the skillet and stir everything together. Adjust the spices to your taste.

 [Kimberly Snyder]4 is a Los Angeles-based celebrity nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solution. She began her work after journeying through 50 countries and six continents, learning about health and beauty from many different cultures. With a philosophy rooted in the belief that outer beauty is a reflection of inner health, Kim now works with clients such as Hilary Duff, Olivia Wilde, and Drew Barrymore. Get lots of health and beauty tips by following her on Twitter at @kimsbeautydetox.