Fit Through the Holidays

bistroMD’s Quinoa and Pumpkin Seed Stuffed Acorn Squash  [c/o]
Nutritional Information: (for each serving, serves 8)
Calories: 219
Protein: 5g
Carbohydrates: 44g

Ingredients
4 medium acorn squash, halved lengthwise with the seeds removed
3 cups of water
2 cups quinoa
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 ½ cups diced onion
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1 tablespoon minced cardamom
1/8 tablespoon of turmeric
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup diced apples
1/4 cup dried currants
1/3 cup toasted pumpkin seeds
1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon of sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Adjust rack to the middle shelf.

Simmer the quinoa in 3 cups of water to make fluffy, this should take 15 to 20 minutes.

While the quinoa cooks, add the onions and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and cook until softened, stirring frequently, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the carrots, celery, cardamom and turmeric.
Using fresh apples, cut into small dices and soak with lemon juice. Cover the pan and simmer the vegetables for 5 minutes until they are tender.

In a big bowl, toss together the quinoa and vegetables. Stir in the dried fruit, diced apples, pumpkin seeds, nutmeg and season with salt and pepper.

Brush the skin of the squash lightly with olive oil. Place the squash, cut side down, in a baking pan.
Pour 1/2-inch of boiling water into the pan and bake for 20 minutes to soften the squash.

Move the squash to a plate and set aside until cool enough to handle.
Stuff the squash halves with the quinoa mix, return them, stuffing-up to the pan, and bake until the flesh can be easily pierced with the tip of a paring knife. This should take 30 minutes or less.

5. Drink More Water/Kick off your day with a Green Smoothie – With all the fun festivities don’t forget to stay hydrated. I like kicking off my mornings full off veggies and fruits and don’t skimp just because its the holidays.

How are you staying fit this holiday season?