With their bright, eye-catching colors and nourishing ingredients, the Buddha Bowl has become an Instagram sensation. Buddha Bowls, besides being visually appealing, are an opportunity to create a balanced meal and feed your body with healthy, nourishing food. Buddha Bowls are also a great way to easily incorporate leftovers into meals.
4 Steps to the Perfect Buddha Bowl
1. Choose Your Vegetables
Veggies should make up about ½ the portion of your bowl. Try to select a mix of cooked and raw vegetables for a variety of textures and to ensure that your body is able to digest the nutrients. Kale, for example, is better for you when it’s cooked because your body is able to break it down more easily than when it’s raw, allowing for greater digestion of nutrients. Color is another essential thing to keep in mind, which means the more color, the more benefits. Leafy greens, radishes, carrots, and cauliflower are all vegetables that are easy to throw in the bowl and provide a rainbow of color.
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2. Protein, Protein, Protein
To make sure that the Buddha Bowl is not just a salad and will keep you fueled all day, incorporate a protein element. For all of you meat eaters out there, lean chicken, ground turkey, and eggs are all excellent protein choices. Vegans and vegetarians can choose from beans, lentils or soy products of choice. Other sources, such as nuts or whole grains can add smaller amounts of protein.
3. Complex Carbs are Good for You
For those of you who fear carbs, please don’t. Whole grains are complex carbohydrates that your body needs for everyday functioning and long lasting energy. In a Buddha Bowl, whole grains such as quinoa—which also contains protein— barley, brown rice, millet, and farro are all ideal choices.
4. Healthy Fats are the Best Fats
Avocado lovers rejoice; this is the ideal meal for an avocado addiction. Avocados contribute to the vegetable rainbow and provide a solid dose of healthy fats. Nuts and seeds are more delicious options and add a nice crunch to the meal. Some of my favorites include slivered almonds, pumpkin seeds, and hemp seeds.
To finish up your Buddha Bowl, add a light drizzle of your favorite condiment or any fresh herbs of your choice.
