Grateful for Grains - 7 quick recipes you'll crave

This weekend was super busy for me – you too?!Yeah, thought so. School started (for both my son and me) and I’m busy putting together a big launch plan for my book, Women, Food & Desire, which comes out 1/6/15. And healthy food can (even in my house) feel like a chore when we have so much going on.And yes - I still crave sugar when things get hectic, but I don't feel good when I eat it - headaches, brain fog, bacterial overgrowth.So my sweets need to come from real food that doesn't drain me.I know when I have simple, healthy foods on hand, I can juggle the kid, work, and friend time much better. So, I’m getting back to my food roots as we move into fall –simple, humble, whole grain, brown rice. I like to make a pot of brown rice and use it as an easy side dish or quick lunch. Plus, whole grains help me keep sugar cravings at bay.How?Well, when you get enough complex carbohydrates, and chew them well, your body and brain get the energy they need, in a slow drip over the day. So make up a pot of brown rice (or quinoa for the grain-averse) and use it 7 ways this week! 

Simple pot of brown rice:

 3 cups short grain brown rice Rinse rice in 2 changes of water.Put into a pot with enough water to cover by 2 inches.Bring to a boil over high heat.Lower head to low, and cover.Simmer for 40 minutes.Turn heat off and let sit for 20 minutes.This allows the steam to keep cooking the rice.  

7 quick recipes that re-use brown rice:

• sushi roll up

wrap a ¼ cup of rice in a sheet of nori paper with a few shredded carrots and enjoy the hand held treat

• brown rice pudding with cinnamon

warm rice in a small pot with coconut milk, a few organic raisins and some cinnamon 

• stir fry with greens

heat rice in a pan with coconut oil and chopped bok choy, sprinkle with soy-free soy sauce, ‘coconut aminos’ or tamari 

• miso stew

heat 2 cups of water with 1 cup of rice, and whisk in 1 tablespoon chickpea miso for a quick soy-free soup 

• rice salad

toss leftover rice with your favorite salad dressing for a side dish 

• rice pasta

heat 2 cups rice with a little olive oil and 1 cup of your favorite pasta sauce and add favorite pasta veggies 

• rice balls with sesame seeds

roll ¼ cup rice on a plate with ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds and 1/2 teaspoons sea salt – yummy little rice balls!  As with every meal, give a little gratitude for your simple, whole-grain meal. Research shows that gratitude practices, even a tiny “thanks for the grub!” over your miso stew, helps you feel more optimistic, lowers stress, and increases your happiness. I know I’m grateful for my grains,And I’m grateful for you, my online “clan of the crave bears” – Have a beautiful week,and enjoy your rice!Discover more Cravings Chart!!Check this out Positive Psychology Certification program!! Xo,Alex P.S. chewing your grains is super important, especially if you suspect leaky gut or have any bloating or tummy issues. Chewing until your grains are almost liquid helps your body digest them better – and we want happy bellies!