Did you read our coaching tip last week?

Did the thought of eating 30 different varieties of plants every week seem overwhelming?

To keep you inspired and motivated to enjoy a wide variety of these plants, we wanted to share a fantastic idea to help you do just that.  Plus, it is a great way to use up all the miscellaneous ingredients that accumulate in your refrigerator and pantry!

What is this idea?

 

Buddha bowls!

 

 

Have you heard of them?

What in the world are they?

Why are they such a big deal?

 

And why are they called buddha bowls?

(or maybe you have heard them referred to as hippie bowls, sunshine bowls or macro bowls)

The Urban Dictionary defines a "buddha bowl" as a bowl so jam-packed full that it has a rounded "belly" appearance on the top, much like the belly of a buddha.

Since 'Buddha' generally means 'Awakened One,' or someone who has attained full enlightenment, we want to help you "attain full enlightenment" on how a buddha bowl can provide a healthy, delicious, beautiful meal!

Hopefully, we can also inspire you to make this part of your weekly routine…after all, it is just as easy as whipping up a stir-fry or sandwich on a busy weeknight!

 

What is a buddha bowl made of?

These delicious one-bowl meals are typically overflowing with vibrant, healthy ingredients that include whole grains, protein, lots of veggies, fruits and a flavor-popping dressing.

The best part is you can swap out ingredients based on your favorites or whatever you have on hand!  Not only do they taste amazing, but they can also provide extreme visual appeal...the ideal way to "eat the rainbow!"

 

 

 

 

Why should you include buddha bowls in your REAL food routine?

These easy, healthy, trendy and just downright beautiful bowls can help you get the perfect balance of a wide variety of food and nutrients in just the right portions.  The more colorful, the better – more color means more nutrients!  And they are ideal for picky eaters because everyone can customize what goes into their bowl.

 

There are NO hard and fast rules for buddha bowls...which is why we love them!

You can…

• Keep it vegetarian
• Add your choice of meat
• Add an egg on top
• Customize ingredients based on your cravings
• Build it around in-season ingredients (highly recommended!)

 

How do you make a buddha bowl?

 

• Start with a grain or starch – this is a great way to use leftover rice or quinoa!  Try quinoa, barley, bulgur, freekeh, farro, couscous, sweet potatoes or brown rice.

 

• Prepare your veggies – they can be raw, sautéed, roasted or grilled.  Quick pickled veggies are another great option!  We love including a combination of raw and cooked veggies to enjoy different flavors and textures.

 

• Prepare your protein - chickpeas, beans, eggs, meat and fish all work great!

 

• Prepare your sauce or dressing – the key is simple and flavorful!  Making your own sauces and dressings will definitely provide the best flavor.  Try a Chili Garlic, Thai Peanut or Avocado Cream.

 

• Prep other toppings such as nuts, seeds, avocado, cheese, hummus, fruits, microgreens, sprouts or fresh herbs.

 

• Put it all together!  Assemble in your favorite bowl, adding all the parts -- make it look spectacular and, yes, go ahead and take a pic!  Share your pic to see if you can inspire your family and friends to create their own buddha bowls!

 

 

An incredibly delicious "Buddha Bowl" is:

Bi Bim Bop!  Watch us show how easy it is to prepare!

 

 

And it's a great way to use fresh, in-season ingredients!  Check out the Bi Bim Bop, Springtime Bi Bim Bop and Kale & Bok Choy Bi Bim Bop...and remember you can customize any of these based on what you have on hand or what you are craving.

 

Other incredibly delicious one pot "Buddha Bowl" ideas to try:

 

• Thai Quinoa Bowl with Peanut Sauce
• Southwest Mushroom Farro Bowl
• Greek Style Quinoa Bowl
• Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
• Sweet Potato Burrito Bowl
• Spicy Fish Taco Bowl
• Veggie Sushi Bowl with Creamy Wasabi Sauce
• Mediterranean Veggie Burger Bowl
• Summer Bounty Buddha Bowl
• Roasted Veggie Bowl with Secret Sauce
• Need a Napkin Burger Bowl
• Spaghetti Squash Noodle Bowl
• Banh Mi Burger Bowl
• Simple Citrus Quinoa Bowl
• Korean Beef and Veggie Bowl
• Polenta Bowl with Spinach, Chicken Sausage and Poached Egg
• Peruvian Inspired Quinoa Bowl
• Roasted Sweet Potato & Chickpea Buddha Bowl
• Banh Mi Noodle Bowl
• Pineapple Mojito Chicken Bowl

 

Consider having a buddha bowl night once a week as another "enlightened" way to include more REAL food in your routine!

Please share with us -- do you have a favorite buddha bowl combination?!