Dr. Tina’s Food Blog

Patients are always asking Dr. Tina what she eats, so here is a go-to meal for her.

This is absolutely my and my husband’s favorite meal right now. We eat this every other night for dinner. I don’t love to cook so I’m going to tell you the number one thing I cheat on… I buy the butternut squash already chopped up at Costco. I find it in the fresh vegetable section. Please don’t tell too many people because if they run out I’m going to blame you. BAM, I just saved you so much time. You’re welcome. 

Quinoa and Butternut Squash

I cook the quinoa on the stove, one cup of quinoa with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Yes, I buy my Quinoa at Costco too.  I sprinkle it with black pepper, chopped up fresh parsley, and then squeeze half of a lime over it and mix it together. I top this with roasted butternut squash.  I do chop up the butternut squash into smaller chunks than what it comes in. I put it in a big Ziploc bag and toss it with some coconut oil. After the butternut squash is thoroughly coated with coconut oil, place them on to parchment paper in the oven at 425 degrees until they look perfect and yummy. I put it on two large trays to avoid crowding and it keeps the squash from getting mushy. 

You’ll notice there is no meat in this meal. I happen to not eat meat except for the occasional mahi mahi or other fish. I stopped eating meat about five years ago when my family doctor suggested I cut it out of my diet. I hesitated to do it at first, but then my husband convinced me to give it a try. Low and behold I felt so much better without my go to chicken. I even noticed that my skin looked so much better. So, I have found that you can do quite well without a piece of chicken or other preferred meat. You might just want to give it a try.

P.S. Yes, my husband eats the same things as I do. He does like to have meat, so occasionally he has meat in his lunch, but never any animal products for dinner.

P.S.S Yes, I do buy the bulk of my food at Costco. The rest at Trader Joes.