This might not be a secret if you have been hanging around me for a while …. BUT …. I LOVE meals in a bowl! AND I love them for so many reasons. In this post, I will share all the reasons why with 5 easy examples you can add to your weekly meal plan.
Why Bowl Meals?
You know how life gets super busy, and sometimes, just the thought of cooking a big meal feels like climbing a mountain? Well, let me tell you all about bowl meals. Seriously, they’re a game-changer. It’s super simple to put together and they hit the spot every time. It’s like, you get everything you need in one bowl. Pretty cool, right?
With just a few staple ingredients (I often like to clean out the fridge and pantry for these types of meals) from each food group, you can create a nourishing bowl that satisfies your cravings and nourishes your body. Ultimately, meals in a bowl, are the easiest thing I add into my weekly meal plan. The save me time and money not to mention my sanity!
Let Me Break it Down Here
You will want to make sure you have something from each of these categories:
- Grain (Carb Source): Start with a base of grains such as rice, potatoes, quinoa, or any other grain you have on hand. These provide the essential carbohydrates that fuel your body and keep you feeling full and energized.
- Protein Source: Next, add a protein source to your bowl. This could be tofu, beans, or any meat option if that’s your preference. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, as well as keeping you feeling satiated.
- Healthy Fats: Don’t forget to include some healthy fats in your bowl. Avocado slices or a drizzle of your favorite dressing add flavor, provide essential nutrients, and promote heart health.
- Fun Toppings: Finally, sprinkle your bowl with some fun toppings for added texture and flavor. Think seeds, nuts, fried onions, or crushed chips for that extra crunch.
- And of course, all the veggies like greens, carrots, onions, beets, or whatever floats your boat or you have on hand.
The beauty of bowl meals lies in their versatility. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have in your fridge and pantry, making them the perfect solution for clearing out leftovers and reducing food waste.
If You’re Unsure Where to Start, Here Are Five Bowl Meal Ideas to Inspire You
- Mexican Taco Bowl: Spanish rice, black beans, guacamole, salsa, lettuce, and a random assortment of mixed veggies like peppers and onions.
- Curry Bowl: Your choice of rice topped with curried cauliflower, carrots, and snap peas, finished with crushed almonds and fresh cilantro.
- Noodle Bowl: Quick-cooking ramen noodles served with stir-fried mixed vegetables, tofu or chicken breast, and a drizzle of coconut aminos for an Asian-inspired twist.
- Quinoa Bowl: Quinoa paired with your choice of protein, mixed greens, and a dollop of hummus for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.
- Cauliflower Bowl: This one can be paired with riced cauliflower or rice and cauliflower mix combined with grilled veggies, roasted chickpeas, and creamy avocado for an easy and nutritious meal.
Which One Will You Add to Your Meal Plan?
Next time you’re looking in the fridge and thinking, “What on earth am I going to eat?” (Which by the way, is the perfect reason why you should be meal planning!!) just remember how awesome and easy these bowl meals are. Trust me, you can throw together something super tasty in no time, and both your taste buds and your crazy schedule will be super thankful.
Speaking of Meal Plans…
If you’re feeling inspired and ready to dive into the world of bowl meals, I’ve got something extra for you! Grab my free 7 day plant based meal plan for one of my favorite veggie loaded buddha bowls. I also included my yogurt bowl in this meal plan the I eat almost every morning. AND bonus …. It’s packed with extra recipes and ideas to keep your meals exciting and stress-free. Check it out!
