Curried Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

By Julia Howard, MPH, RHN

I came across this salad several years ago as I was first learning how to use quinoa and I’ve tweaked it a bit since. The beauty of this salad is that the flavours of the spices in the dressing continue to deepen and blend the longer it stays in the fridge. I find it tastes best after a day or so.

If you’re like me, you find quinoa a bit flavourless so it’s not typically my first choice of grain, although it is higher in protein than most grains. This salad is a great way to use up that big bag of quinoa that’s been hanging out in your cupboard.

I like to make it as a light lunch or as a side dish at a barbecue. Note: This recipe will fill a very large bowl!

I will sometimes use lemon juice instead of apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavour. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, you could try fresh parsley instead for some extra green.

Curried Quinoa & Chickpea Salad

Salad Ingredients

2 cups quinoa (dry)
4 cups veggie broth (e.g., Pacific Foods organic vegetable broth)
1 cup sliced almonds
1 cup craisins (dried cranberries)
1/3 cup green onions, thinly sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped.

Dressing Ingredients

6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 lemon, juiced or 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon mild curry powder
2 tablespoons real maple syrup
Sea salt to taste

Directions

Cook 2 cups of quinoa in 4 cups of broth.
While quinoa is cooking, prepare other ingredients and combine in a large bowl.
When quinoa is finished cooking and has cooled, add together ingredients in a large bowl and combine well.
Make dressing in a separate container, mix well, and then add to the salad.
Eat at room temperature immediately or cover and keep in the fridge for a few days.

Enjoy!

~Julia

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Lloyd Hussey

Personal Strength Training by Jon-Erik Kawamoto

I started at JKC in January of 2014 and I’m 67 years old. When I had my Initial Assessment, I knew – almost immediately – that Jon knew what he was doing and what he was talking about. I was overweight, out of shape, and in serious need of someone, like Jon, who could get me back on a fitness/conditioning routine that suited me, my age, my less than acceptable physical condition, my sometimes intermittent RA, and my need for a structured, consistent and yet flexible training and conditioning program that would work for me.

Fundamentally, if I made a choice at all with respect to JKC – it was to continue to come back each week. I have not been in a lot of gyms. To be honest, they used to intimidate me. What makes JKC different is their approach to each and every one of their clients. Jon and Thomas – and now Craig – tailor each training regime to the particular needs of each client. That ensures that the training regime will suit each client upon the start of training and changes as the client improves. It adjusts for any physical setbacks such as injuries and it adjusts for success. It is just that simple.

It is also the consistent encouragement that comes from Jon, Thomas and Craig. That voice that comes to you while you are in the middle of a particularly difficult set – rear-foot elevated split squats comes to mind immediately – that says “good job” or “keep it up” or “just a couple more reps.” To know, in that moment, that you are not alone and the trainer is paying attention to what you are doing. That is priceless for me.

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I started strength training at JKC in the Spring of 2021. I am in my 60’s but happy to say I feel much younger since joining this gym. I joined JKC upon the advice of a doctor. I went through some difficult medical issues last year, that’s when one of my doctors recommended strength training at JKC. I have been physically active most of my adult life but mainly running and completed many road races as I am a distance runner. Strength training has definitely benefited me by increasing my stamina and energy. It sure has enhanced my recovery over the past year. I have the added benefit of becoming a stronger runner as well.

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I am 62 years young and I started training with Jon in 2013. I originally came to join JKC as a recommendation from other family members that were onboard with Jon. Their enthusiasm for the gym experience was quite evident. I was not to be outdone, so I decided to join as well. JKC, in my mind, certainly stands out from the crowd. I feel it’s a combination of the skill and passion the coaches have for their job and their clients. Each client is treated with the upmost respect and given time to explore their fitness journey without any pressure. JKC is certainly not a cookie cutter gym.The coaches customize your fitness program to suit your needs and your fitness level. This certainly makes sense because no two clients are alike. This is where JKC excels! Jon, Thomas, and Craig keep the atmosphere at the gym light, but productive. A great combination that obviously works and makes the clients want to come back. Lastly, the camaraderie at the gym is everything. Meeting likeminded people who make you feel you are not alone in your fitness journey is everything.

Courtney Currie

A few years ago, I pinched a nerve in my neck which led me to be stationary as any form of movement would cause extreme pain. During this time, my fiancé (Sean) started at JKC and loved it!! Once I overcame the nerve issue, Sean spent a long time trying to convince me that JKC is exactly what I needed to safely start working out again (I’m slightly stubborn and was super scared of re-pinching the nerve). Long story short, Sean was right… as much as I hate to admit it!

I never had luck at gyms, if it started to hurt I would call it a day. At JKC that is not an option, as Jon & Thomas will push you to finish the workout, whether you want to or not! Working out in a group setting is also a big benefit of working out at JKC, if you’re not feeling motivated you can simply feed off of someone else’s energetic vibes.

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I’ve never experienced this sort of hybrid between group workouts and personalized service. Many group strength training services offer a sort of one-size-fits-all workout for the general population, which has never been of interest to me, because I want my workout tailored to my needs! I LOVE that you can be in a group setting while doing your own personal program; I love the camaraderie and community at JKC, and, I’ve seen incredible results thus far! Jon is always so attuned to what I need.

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