Buddha Bowls

Get creative in the kitchen with this delicously healthy lunch option

Buddha bowls have been my jam this week. Buddha bowls are generally various greens, veggies, beans and a healthy grain like quinoa or brown rice.  They often have toppings like nuts, seeds and a dressing to add texture and flavor. I often refer to them as “everything but the kitchen sink” bowls.

Why Buddha Bowls?

I notice I feel best eating a lighter lunch and while I LOVE a good sandwich, you can often tuck me into bed shortly after.  So I stick to salads or a combination of vegetables and fruit.  At times, my salads start to get a little repetitive or boring and I’m always looking for recipe inspiration.  I was watching a live post by the founders of www.yoursuper.com and I was re-inspired to make Buddha bowls again.  I made an extra cup of brown rice that evening and saved the leftovers for my bowls.  Beyond that, I just grabbed whatever I had in the pantry or fridge to make my bowl each day.  I have to say it’s fun to get creative and play with different ingredients for your bowl.  I aim to incorporate different colors and textures.

Check out my own Buddha Bowls

Here are several I made this past week. Top Right: spinach, romaine, shredded carrots, black beans, strawberries, yellow bell pepper, grilled asparagus, avocado, brown rice, olive oil, and dash of dairy free ranch dressing.  Bottom Right: spinach, romaine, shredded carrots, avocado, yellow bell pepper, roasted broccoli, cucumber, blue berries, pumpkin seeds, super green dressing featured on https://www.instagram.com/yoursuperfoods/ and olive oil.  Bottom Left: spinach, romaine, shredded carrots, yellow bell pepper, grilled asparagus, brown rice, black beans, cucumber, avocado, pumpkin seeds, homemade pesto and olive oil.  Top Left: spinach, romaine, homemade tuna salad, green olives, red onion, shredded carrots, red bell pepper, sun dried tomatoes, pumpkin seeds and olive oil.

I wanted to show different combinations, although several don’t include either beans or rice and may not be “official” Buddha bowls.  Don’t be afraid to throw in a mixture of sweet and savory.  I recommend throwing any leftover protein from the night before on top and I’m also a huge fan of adding roasted sweet potato or fried egg.   Just go with what tickles your tastebuds.   

Buddha Bowl Inspiration

Check out www.yoursuper.com.  I have really enjoyed their superfood blends for my smoothies, dressings and recipes.  They inspired this post.  So, play around with your Buddha bowls and feel free to share you own creations. Now is the time to enjoy the process of cooking and prepping you food.  

We are in a time when we are home and can explore or get creative in the kitchen.  We are often so rushed and moving onto the next activity or appointment.  Preparing food and enjoying the process has been lost in our busy schedules.  Take this gift of time to think about the food you are putting into your body.  Food is fuel and the more attention we place on it the better we nourish our bodies and build immunity.  It’s easy to feel powerless and in overwhelm during this time.  Fortunately, you do have power in choosing how you take care of your body.