Natural Weight-Loss and Super Food

Buckwheat, despite its name, is not a type of wheat, but actually a fruit seed. This gluten-free, low glycemic index, complex carb is cultivated for its grain-like seeds from the plant, named “fagopyrum esculentum.” Buckwheat is related to sorrels and rhubarb, and is a great source of protein and minerals (like magnesium). It’s also really high in fiber, which helps fill you up faster and suppresses your appetite, aiding in weight loss.

Similar to the size of wheat kernels, but in a triangular shape, buckwheat comes in many different forms. Most commonly, it’s sold after the outer hull is removed with special milling equipment, and is roasted. This form of buckwheat is called “kasha.” You can buy it in the bulk section of your local market, or in a packaged container. You can also find buckwheat ground into flour form to use for baking. It’s a great substitute for wheat, oats, rye and barley.

Some interesting facts about your new favorite Superfood:

Buckwheat is heart healthy. The phytochemicals, which protect against disease by acting as antioxidants, found in buckwheat help protect against heart disease.

Buckwheat helps protect breast cancer with its ample amount of dietary fiber. The fiber also improves your digestive health and prevents blood sugar fluctuations.

Buckwheat helps lowers high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Buckwheat is a rich source of antioxidants, especially rutin, and vitamins, like Vitamin E.

Give buckwheat a try! Use buckwheat flour to make gluten-free baked goods, or pancakes. Cook up a pot in the morning and swap out your usual oatmeal. Add cooked buckwheat to sups or stews to make them heartier. Please share with me what you like about this amazing substitute for wheat, oats, rye, and barley. And have fun in the kitchen!

¼  cup of uncooked Buckwheat has 142 calories, 5g of protein, 31g of carbohydrates (3g dietary fiber, 0g sugars) and 1g of fat.

If you can’t find it at your local market, here’s a great brand to purchase from online: RedMills. 

Try Moo Moo's!

I have many friends who are vegetarians, but they always tell me that they sometimes have a hard time finding vegetarian AND healthy things to eat.

Just because something is vegetarian that does not mean it's automatically super healthy - it could be loaded with fat and carbs and still be just as greasy or full of weird preservatives as anything from McDonalds (I have even encountered greasy vegan restaurants...who knew!?).

Some of my favorite meat-free products comes from Moo Moo's Vegetarian Cuisine, sold at any Whole Foods, Gelsons or Nugget Markets here in California.

These are dishes that are fresh, balanced, organic and unprocessed, and they also include vegan and gluten-free options. They use ingredients like organic tofu, natural grains, and legumes.

So although these meals might be frozen, they're heavenly, healthy and delicious. My favorite? The noodle-less lasagna! It's to die for, and really stands on its own amongst a sea of other frozen food and even restaurant lasagnas.