Is Quinoa a good replacement for Brown Rice? I have started my comeback for 2012 and in my diet for a complex carb I have replaced Brown Rice with Quinoa which is about equal to 1/2 cup rice. However it is a super food, and only about a 1/4 cup in comparison. What I really want to know is has anyone ever taken this route. I want to get leaner then I have ever been thought maybe this would help.