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Life gets busy, especially during the week. Looking for some that are not only plain healthy but also hair healthy? Here’s one that you can make in 30 minutes or less!

Life Extension Wellness Code Whey Protein Isolate, Chocolate (437 Grams)

What is couscous? A staple in North African cooking-it is still known as the Moroccan national dish. Couscous is small steamed balls of crushed durum wheat semolina. Traditionally, it is served with a stew spooned on top of it.

A 1-cup serving of couscous is approximately 176 calories, and is much less than the calories that a cup of rice, estimated to be 205 calories. Couscous contains mostly carbohydrate, since it is made from semolina, but it is a good source of protein and fiber. Nutritionally, couscous delivers calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, as well as some of the B vitamins and vitamin E.

What are chickpeas? They are an amazingly rich source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Chickpeas are known to help with improving digestion. If you are looking to manage your weight, chickpeas, which are very high in protein—making them an excellent replacement for meat in vegetarian and vegan diets—make you feel fuller and are to help reduce the risk of several diseases. 

You know what a carrot is, but did you know that carrots can come in a range of beautiful colors outside of orange? A good source of vitamin A, antioxidants, and other nutrients, carrots are also rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. This antioxidant-rich veggie can help reduce the risks of cancer and cardiovascular disease.

There are many varieties of mint, the most popular are spearmint and peppermint. Other varieties that are commercially grown are apple mint-has both fruity and minty flavor; corn mint known as Japanese mint or banana mint; and ginger mint-also known as Scotch mint and is a hybrid of corn and spearmint. Benefits of mint include helping with digestion, promotes oral health, treats nausea, and can ease the pain of breastfeeding. Nutrients found in spearmint are fiber, Vitamin A, Iron, Manganese and Folate.

Cumin seeds are a member of the parsley family. Black cumin seeds especially are extremely beneficial for hair- they help hair growth by consuming or applying to your scalp with oil externally. These tiny seeds pack more than 100 nutrients as well as vitamins that help to fight thinning of hair, baldness as well as hair loss.

Chickpea and Carrot Couscous with Minted Yogurt

Ingredients

200 grams/ 7-8 oz Greek Yogurt (light, if you prefer)
2 Tbsp lemon juice
Lemon zest
3 Tbsp fresh mint, roughly chopped
5 Carrots, chopped
400 grams/14 oz of couscous
410 gram/15 oz can of chickpeas
2 Tsp cumin seeds

1. In a small bowl, mix together tub of Greek yogurt, lemon juice and roughly chopped fresh mint leaves, season and set aside.
2. Chop 5 carrots and steam the pieces over boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes, until tender.
3. Meanwhile, place 400g couscous in a bowl and pour over 425ml/14oz boiling water. Cover and stand for 5 minutes. Uncover, fluff up the grains then add 410g can drained chickpeas and the steamed carrots.
4. Toast 2 tsp cumin seeds in a hot pan for 2 to 3 mins until starting to pop. Cool and crush.
5. Whisk the zest of half a lemon, 4 tbsp lemon juice and 1 tbsp olive oil in a bowl. Add the couscous and cumin and serve with the minted yogurt.

When using light yogurt – estimated per serving: 435kcals, 9.5g fat (0.8g saturated), 16.3g protein, 76.6g carbs, 9.9g sugar, 0.5g salt.
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