Between dropping the kids off at school, driving to work, rushing to soccer practice, and squeezing in all the other errands before you can get home and put food on the table, it’s no easy task to feed your family healthy meals 365 days a year. That’s where the growing trend of power bowls comes in.
At first glance, power bowls may look like any other salad, but don’t be fooled: they are no ordinary salad! These nutrient-dense, high-protein, meal-sized salads are much more than an accompanying side. With the right mix of ingredients, they will satisfy your hunger and your craving for fresh flavor while giving your family the vitamins and minerals they need to live a healthy lifestyle.
People are more aware today of the health benefits of protein-packed meals, and with good reason. Protein is vital for muscle growth and repair, but it also plays a role in weight management. High-protein meals help us feel full for longer so we eat smaller portions.
The key to crafting the perfect power bowl is striking the right balance between ingredients for the ultimate combination of flavor and nutrition. Start with whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice for a base that will keep you full and energized with complex carbs. Then, pick a protein: chicken, fish, beef, tofu, and more can all work well in a high protein salad. Finally, add loads of fresh vegetables for their antioxidant properties, a wide variety of vitamins, and, most importantly, flavor!
Fresh ingredients are key –
The ingredients you include in your power bowls not only impact the overall healthiness of your meal but also create a flavorful experience that makes eating healthy enjoyable for the entire family. To make sure you’re getting maximum nutrition and flavor every time you go to the grocery store, select greenhouse grown vegetables, which are grown in state-of-the-art environments to ensure the best quality 365 days a year.
Different vegetables can contribute unique health benefits and flavors to your power bowl, so the more you know about the ingredient you choose, the better you can customize your meals.
Tomatoes, like Juno® Bites Red Grape Tomatoes or Chocolate Rose Brown Beefsteak Tomatoes, are rich in lycopene, a vital antioxidant that has been shown to help slow aging, prevent heart disease, and may play a role in preventing cancer. Tomatoes come in many different shapes, sizes, and flavors, but they all taste incredible in a hearty power bowl like the Chocolate Rose and Rice Power Bowl, which pairs the sweet flavor with feta cheese and fresh herbs.
If you want to increase your intake of Vitamin C, another important vitamin that can help protect you against infection and improve your skin health, you don’t need to add oranges to your salad. Peppers, like Mini Sweet Peppers, actually contain more Vitamin C than an orange! These snacking peppers come in convenient packs so you can keep them in your fridge and add to salads throughout the week.
Perfect for any time of day –
For the perfect post-workout meal, prepare a big power bowl full of hydrating cucumbers. Cucumber Chickpea Yogurt Bowl an easy and refreshing option, features Poco Bites® Cocktail Cucumbers. These cukes will quickly refresh and energize you after a long run or a hectic day at the office. This simple yet unique recipe is a great example of how power bowls can accommodate multiple dietary restrictions while still making for a delicious meal. Whether you’re vegetarian or gluten-free, you can create a power bowl that satisfies you every time!
What makes power bowls even more appealing is that they offer endless possibilities for you to personalize your own recipes. You can have fun experimenting with different flavors to create a meal that’s both delicious and in line with your health goals, such as Steak Tomato Salad, a savory mix of gourmet Luna® Sweets Cocktail Tomatoes, seared steak, pecans, and green apple.
For busy families, power bowls are a godsend, especially when it comes to saving time. These meals can be easily prepared in advance and tailored to each family member’s preferences, like the family-favorite Burrito Bowl, a great recipe to pack for lunch that will keep you energized in the afternoon.
The key to making meals quickly is to have your favorite greenhouse grown veggies ready to go in your kitchen. The possibilities are endless with power bowls; with the right ingredients. If you want some more inspiration, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter for the latest recipes.
