How to Make The Perfect Power Bowl
Ever heard of a power bowl meal?
We live in an ever-changing and fast-paced society in which spending time to cook a meal has become a low priority for many households. Taking time to enjoy a meal—let alone prepare one from scratch—has been displaced by dining out in an environment increasingly dominated by “fast casual” food options.
And while eating out might seem an easy solution, creating a healthy, balanced, delicious meal is hardly as time consuming as most would think. Enter the power bowl.
What Is a Power Bowl?
Power bowls have become more and more popular as they are an easy and fun way to create healthy meals. They are similar to a composed salad, however, are supplemented with nutrient-rich grains and protein to make them more filling and to provide energy to sustain you throughout your day. Before introducing two favorite recipes for breakfast and lunch, let’s break down the ingredients for these nutritionally potent palate-pleasers.
Ingredients For a Power Bowl
Here are all the ingredients you need to make a healthy, filling power bowl.
Whole Grains
An important source of many nutrients such as B vitamins, fiber and minerals. Whole grains may also help to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases. Use barley, brown rice, quinoa or farro to incorporate insoluble fiber which helps to fill you up, as well as help with blood sugar control. Grains should fill at least one quarter of the power bowl.
Vegetables
Veggies are important sources of nutrients such as folate, vitamin A, insoluble fiber, potassium and vitamin C. Vegetables are also low in fat, cholesterol and calories. Try to use a rainbow of vibrantly colored vegetables to get the most nutritional “bang for your buck”. This also makes your power bowl look beautiful! Fresh or cooked vegetables should make up at least half of the power bowls.
Protein
Protein is a very important macronutrient in our diet. It plays a role in cell regeneration and coordinates biological processes between different cells, tissues, and organs, transporting molecules throughout the body, catalyzing metabolic reactions and more! Incorporate 2-3 ounces of protein in your power bowl (chicken, beef, turkey, tofu, eggs, beans).
Dressing
Use a heart-healthy oil such as olive or avocado as the base for your dressing. Minced shallots and a little Dijon mustard are great additions for an extra layer of flavor.
Finishing Touches
Add some interesting texture and crunch to your bowls with crushed pita chips, croutons or roasted nuts or seeds. A personal favorite: lightly salted pumpkin seeds. Instead of vegetables, adding fresh fruit, Greek yogurt, dried fruit and/or granola makes a healthy and nutrient-dense breakfast—keeping you full longer and packing more energy into the day.
Now it’s time to get your bowls out and start making your own power bowls! Here are some sample recipes:
The Chia Seed Power Breakfast Power Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (almond or soy milk)
- 3 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup greek plain yogurt (or flavored)
- ½ cup oats
- ¼ cup fresh blackberries and raspberries
- Mixed nuts, dried fruit and dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine milk, chia seeds, greek yogurt and vanilla extract
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours, or overnight
- Stir in oats, fresh fruit, and nuts, dried fruit and chocolate chips to taste
- The bowl is ready to be served!
The Buddha Bowl Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 cups baby spinach, washed and dried
- 2 cups raw cucumbers, sliced
- 2 cups roasted chickpeas or roasted nut of your choice
- 1 zucchini, spiralized or julienned
- 1 cup pickled beets
- ½ cup firm tofu
- ½ cup Quinoa, cooked
Dressing
Olive oil & lemon juice or your favorite salad dressing
Instructions
- Lay spinach down as the base for the bowls; arrange the rest of the ingredients on top in sections.
- Lightly drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, or salad dressing of your choice.
- Enjoy for its immediate taste and enduring energy!
Here are some other healthy recipes to try:
Blackened Shrimp and Asparagus Skillet