Build a better bowl

I love bowls.  
I also love the new Ed Sheeran song “Shape of You,” pleather leggings, and my giant silver Kate Spade tote.
But back to bowls.  They are a great way to use up leftovers and get creative in the kitchen.  You can eat them for breakfast, lunch or dinner.  And if you’re doing it right, they can totally help you feel happy, healthy and hot.
Here’s my formula for a perfect bowl:  veggies + quality protein + quality fat + extras for flavor = happy, healthy and hot bowl


As I write this, I’m enjoying a brunch bowl:  Brussels sprouts that were roasted in olive oil, pastured eggs cooked in grass fed butter, avocado and a generous splash of Frank’s Original Red Hot, my all time fave hot sauce.
Not only does it taste delicious, it will hold me for hours.  I’m covering all the bases…a veggie like brussels sprouts provides tons of antioxidants.  It has high quality protein and fat from the eggs, olive oil and butter.
This bowl is also paleo, primal, gluten free, and grain free.  If I cooked the eggs in ghee instead of butter it would even be Whole30 compliant.
By having a few basic things on hand you can throw some delicious combos together really quickly.
Veggies are a great source of vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to thrive.  They make up the base of all of my bowls, and pretty much anything goes.  Roasting intensifies the flavor, so I try to always have some roasted veggies in the fridge.  My faves are brussels sprouts, broccoli and red bell peppers.  Leftover zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice are great in bowls too.  Nothing wrong with tossing in some spinach or baby kale!
Protein is important for building lean muscle and healthy skin.  It can come from fried or scrambled eggs or any leftover meat.  Canned salmon or sardines are great.  (Please try sardines…they are so awesome for your skin!)  If I’m making ground beef for tacos I always make extra to throw in a bowl for lunch the next day.  My happy, healthy and hot Southwest chicken makes a great bowl too.  If you are going for more plant-based protein, throw in some tofu or tempeh.
Healthy fat is essential to keep our bodies functioning well on a cellular level.  It helps you stay focused, makes your skin glow, and keeps you satiated.  My bowls usually already have some healthy fats from egg yolks, or fish, or even the oil my veggies were roasted in.  But I still add a little more, with some guac or sliced avocado.  Sometimes I’ll even drizzle some extra olive oil or avocado oil on top.
Extras are anything else I add for flavor.  I’m on a total hot sauce kick right now.  Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of Primal Kitchen Chipotle Lime Mayo to give a little Southwest vibe (this is adding healthy fat as well).  Olives, pesto, a squeeze of lemon juice, fresh herbs…get creative!
Here are some bowls I’ve put together recently.  They don’t always look pretty, but they’ve all tasted great.

 
I post many of these quick ideas on Instagram, so follow me @resnickelizabeth for more ideas.
Can building a better bowl help you feel happy, healthy and hot?  Positively!
You will be happy eating something delicious that came together really quickly.  Following my simple formula will give you a meal that is truly healthy.  Making sure you have plenty of veggies, protein and good fat will support healthy glowing skin and can help you maintain your weight.  So you will be very hot!
Leave a comment below…I’d love to hear about your favorite bowls.
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Primal Kitchen Avocado Oil and Chipotle Lime Mayo