Most Americans spend the holidays in November & December feasting on less-than-healthy foods, and then turn their focus to weight-loss goals starting in January. For many, a major obstacle for a successful New Year's cleanse is freezing winter temperatures.

Regardless of the time of year, doing a cleanse has enormous health benefits, and it doesn't have to involve radical changes or deprivation or to feel like a punishment. During colder months, simply upgrading comfort foods like grains or pasta for a warm bowl of Quinoa with a flavorful and fat-busting sauce can greatly assist in flushing out the residue from previous poor eating choices, as well as help eliminate cravings and get you motivated to start eating smarter.

Quinoa is an incredible superfood that is packed with protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. It contains thousands of trace nutrients, and is especially high in magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron, as well as an excellent low-glycemic source of fiber, folate, phosphorous, and manganese. Large amounts of two important flavonoids that have been shown to have all sorts of beneficial effects on health, quercetin and kaempferol, are found in quinoa. These paramount molecules have been known to support healthy inflammatory, cellular regeneration, immune system, and even mood boosting responses in the body!

Quinoa is also one of the few grains that contains all nine of the essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. This powerful grain is naturally gluten-free, and using it instead of typical overly-processed gluten-free ingredients can significantly increase the antioxidant and nourishment value of gluten-free food.

Cayenne pepper is a potent fat-burner because it is a strong thermogenic (has the ability to naturally heat up the body). It also supports healthy blood circulation and metabolism. Plus it helps with healthy cell regeneration and supports the lymphatic system, helping eliminate toxins from the body and reducing the appearance of cellulite.

Apple cider vinegar has numerous benefits, including supporting appetite control, improved digestion, increased metabolism, and detoxification.

Garlic is one of the most powerful and aggressive medicinal herbs in the world. Used for thousands of years, Garlic is a scientifically proven, broad spectrum immune-boosting antibiotic that combats and helps flush out harmful bacteria.

6 oz. water

2 TBS Organic Coconut Oil, melted

1 TBS Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

1 TBS Freshly Chopped Parsley Leaf

1 TBS Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

1 Clove Garlic (raw)

1 tsp Ground Dried Mustard

1 tsp Ground Cayenne

Directions: Cook Quinoa according to package instructions. Blend all vinaigrette ingredients together until mixture is smooth. Pour onto a bowl of freshly cooked quinoa along with chopped baby kale (or veggies of choice). Add a pinch of sea salt on top and ENJOY!