I have been experimenting with Chia Seeds and Quinoa based on the recommendation of the people who did my blood work. My doc has signed off so I'm starting to put these in the mix.

So far I'm just putting Chia Seeds in my yogurt (tablespoon) and mixing Quinoa with beans for a high protien starch.

Any known problems? Any weight gain after adding them to your diet? Any improvement in blood work?

Bang for the buck in terms of protein seems really good, but always looking for other people's experience.

I have heard that Quinoa is really good and good for you. I am not sure what to do with it though. I guess I should google recipes with it.

Chia seeds are weird. I soak mine until they get all plumped up and put them in yogurt. I should throw some in my smoothies too.

I used Chia seeds to fortify my protein shakes, helps keep me full longer. Also, you can make a wonderful chia seed pudding that is filling and tasty. As for quinoa, Costco has a great quinoa and brown rice mix that is helahth, tasty and quick to make. Microwave the packet and it's done. Regular quinoa, I make in the rice cooker and use it as a cereal with applesauce. Apple pieces, or craisins. Delicious, filling and keeps you sated until lunch or for an afternoon snack.

@@OKCPirate, I've come across nothing before your post to suggest that quinoa may affect blood work. In what way? All I know is that it's a good source of Protein, tastes good and is pretty when cooked up. It's certainly higher in calories than animal protein. For that reason, I limit the quantity.

@@WLSResources/ClothingExch - I use a service called insidetracker.com to do my blood work (cheaper than the doctors office). They recommended adding it to help with increasing the good cholesterol level...

http://blog.insidetracker.com/chia-seeds-should-you-add-them-to-your-diet

http://blog.insidetracker.com/five-new-foods-to-add-to-your-diet

I started eating quinoa pre-op.

I made it in my rice cooker and used it in place of rice.

Try Pinterest for some recipe ideas.

I haven't made any yet post-op but there is quinoa in the Mr. Cheese O's snack that I like.

@@OKCPirate, thanks. I hadn't come across that tidbit. Somewhere along the way my HDL grew to a good number from what was almost a deficit. I'm always interested in things that will keep it where it is now if not increase it a little.

P.S. I just looked at insidetracker.com out of curiosity, but couldn't wait for an answer from Live Chat. How do customers get blood work done online? Sounds pretty messy.

Pre-op I would mix quinoa, black turtle beans, salsa, tomatoes, scallions and chicken into a salad. Add in some cumin and cilantro and ancho/chipotle powder. Nummy. It's a good food for you. If you must eat a grain, I say go for quinoa.

That's a very nice salad mix, @songsmith.

With great respect for my esteemed colleague across the aisle, I submit that quinoa is the seed of a vegetable plant rather than a grain. It's a wonderful grain alternative. Too bad, though, that it's calorically comparable to grain rather than vegetables. You can't have everything. I was introduced to quinoa in 1990, when it was available only in health food stores. It's catching on has made it available everywhere. The reason that I remember 1990 is slightly related to being at BP. Between jobs and while searching, I worked part-time for a few months in a privately-owned, plus-size clothing store. The manager brought her lunch, often steamed vegetables with quinoa.

Speaking of the quinoa devil, here's a recipe for "Southwest Quinoa Cakes." It's not designed for WLS people, so think in terms of serving size you'd actually eat. I haven't made it, but it sounds pretty good and appropriate for most delicate digesters.

www.eatingwell.com/recipes/southwest_quinoa_cakes

http://www.eatingwell.com/recipes/southwest_quinoa_cakes.html

The link did not work...hope this is it????