How is your season going? Mine is coming to an end with a 5K and 5 mile run yet to go. I am especially excited about the 5 mile trail run. It is with the Woodstock folks where you can run any distance from 3.1 miles to 100 miles. 100 miles…Yikes! I will be vounteering at the 100 mile run, but won’t be participating in it; at least, not THIS year. 
There is something about “trail runs” that is especially intriguing to me. Probably, because it is so much more scenic and challenging than a road run…This run will be on Pottowotami, which is known for its hills, turns, boulders, tree roots and cute little “crawly creatures” along the way. Now THAT is scenic
What shall we eat to get ready for the Autumn season? Why not spinach?
Spinach is certainly a part of Bob Seebohar’s Metabolic Efficiency diet, and you KNOW that I support all of Bob’s work!
Typically, I think of spinach as a Spring vegetable, but we have a “late crop” reviving itself in our garden, so just had to send this along to you. Spinach is definitely a SUPER FOOD! Look what it has to offer:
Spinach (or) kale, collards, Swiss chard, mustard greens, turnip greens, bok choy, romaine lettuce.
They contain: A synergy of multiple nutrients/phytonutrients, low in calories, lutein/zeaxanthin, beta-carotene, plant-derived omega-3 fatty acids, glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, vitamins C and E, B vitamins, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc, polyphenols, betaine.
Servings: 1 cup steamed or 2 cups raw most days.
Benefits: heart health, reduce risk of cancer, reduce risk of macular degeneration, reduce risk of cataracts, reduce risk of stroke.
Of course, we always need a recipe to go along with our Super Food, and, of course, it will have quinoa in it… Here goes:
Quinoa-Spinach Soup
Makes 4-5 servings
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1/2 cup quinoa
4 cups vegetable broth or 2 (14.5 oz) cans vegetable broth
1/2 chopped onion
1/2 diced carrot
2 cups spinach, washed and chopped coarsely
salt and pepper to taste.
Directions:
Rinse quinoa before cooking to remove the coating of a bitter substance called saponins.
Bring water to a boil.
Stir in quinoa, cover, reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Add broth, onion and carrot
Simmer for 15 minutes.
Stir in spinach, allow to wilt in soup
Salt and pepper to taste
Enjoy!
Nutrition facts: 100 calories; 18 gm carbohydrates; 4 gm protein; 1 gm fat
