Squirrel Food

Interested in what I consider lunch?

I eat this:


What is it, you ask? It is quinoa, black beans, feta, and peppers lightly drizzled in a garlic dressing with strawberries and water.

Here's a close-up:

It's super healthy and super good. I challenge you to eliminate one meat from your diet once a day and see how good you feel after one week. And yes, beans of all kinds really do act as a meat. My favorite, as you should know, is black beans. Did you know that black beans are so versatile that you could puree them to be put in brownie mix? Watch anyone taste the difference.

How do you make such a wonderful meal? Well, with time, that's how. This is not a super-quick lunch, but it's not going to take you hours either.

1. Start off with some quinoa grains. Don't be scared of them. Just read the directions on the box to cook them. Just make sure to rinse them in cold water before you boil them!

2. Open a can of black beans and drain. And don't be putting an entire can into your meal unless you want to be called Mr./Ms. Fart-A-Lot.

3. Sprinkle some black beans and feta cheese onto the quinoa. Add veggies, fruits, whatever good-for-you items you find in the fridge. Drizzle with your favorite oil-based dressing. But use it sparingly. The point is to not rack up so many calories. That's what the cheese is for. You want minimal calories with a meal, but it should have a lot of fiber to keep you full.

All of this takes about 20 minutes to prepare.

If you've never had quinoa, don't be alarmed the first time you open the package. It will look weird. And the taste is a bit corny, but if it is cooked right, it will not be crunchy like corn.

If you really need a meat with this meal, substitute tuna or salmon bits for the black beans. It will taste pretty good that way too. I just choose more earthy kinds of foods when I cook though.

Now that I had lunch, I am feeling great! J and I may go on a bike ride later or just do something outside considering how pretty it is!