Substitute Fast Food for Super Foods.

Quinoa has become a very popular super food within the last two years. For example, you may have heard of quinoa salads or turkey and quinoa stuffed bell peppers. Another super grain, that is less popular, is called couscous. Each hail from separate parts of the world but both serve as a rice and/or pasta substitute.

Quinoa (keen-wa) quinoa is originally from Bolivia, but can also be found in Ecuador, Colombia, and Chile. It is a plant-based protein offering complete protein (it is gluten-free as well). In other words, it has all nine essential amino acids.

Avoid quinoa cooking mistakes here.

Couscous (koos-koos) first emerged in North Africa and is well known in Morocco. It is a combination of semolina wheat and water. Couscous has been linked to many health benefits and is favorited by the vegan community. Unlike quinoa, couscous is made by hand. Luckily, it is now distributed pre-made for consumers. It can be found in local grocery stores such as Ralph’s, Stater Bros, Pavilion, etcetera.

Tips for cooking couscous here.

Which is best?

Quinoa:

• Is high in protein and fiber.
• Contains nine amino acids.
• Is gluten-free.

Couscous:

• Has fewer calories than quinoa.
• Has more flavor and versatility
• Is much healthier when it comes in the whole wheat variety.

Ultimately, both have different benefits. It all depends on what YOU the consumer are looking for. Quinoa and Couscous can be used interchangeably for meals. Body builders use both to meal prep, as protein is needed to build muscle. Diet coach and body builder Tad explains further…