Bringing your lunch to work saves you money and time. Instead of wasting time figuring out what to eat and spending money on delivery, simply eat when you’re ready.
However, to take a lunch to work means you need to plan and prepare your meal ahead of time. This can be the hardest part for most.
If you’re looking for a well-balanced, portable lunch, look no further. These Power Bowls are quick, easy and the possibilities of combinations are endless.
Start with whole grains.
Prepare a big batch of your favorite grain. Brown rice, basmati rice, quinoa, farro, whatever you like and have on hand. If cooking grains isn’t your forte, I highly suggest investing in a rice cooker. Follow the measuring instructions and you’re left with fluffy perfectly cooked grains every time. Don’t forget to rinse your grains well before cooking!
Add protein.
Air fried tofu, bbq chicken, jerk shrimp, grilled salmon. Pick a protein and prepare it in the way you like most. If you’re in a pinch, purchase prepared food from your local grocery store. The deli usually prepares protein that you can buy. This is a great help if you don’t have the time to make it at home.
Even if you eat meat, don’t forget beans and legumes! Add black beans, refried beans, lentils, or chickpeas to your bowls. These plant-based protein sources are packed with fiber which helps to keep you fuller longer.
Top with fresh and/or cooked veggies. (& even fruit!)
Fill a sheet pan with your favorite veggies and roast with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. We like new potatoes, carrots, beets, onions, zucchini, and bell peppers. Fresh veggies are great too. Salad greens, finely chopped broccoli, scallions, tomato, and cucumber can add a cool crunch.
And don’t forget your fruits! Sliced strawberries, blueberries, chopped mango, and dates are all delicious in Power Bowls.
Finish it off.
Sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, guacamole, hot sauce, salsa, and salad dressing are just some of the ways to finish off your Power Bowl. Experiment with different sauces, dressings, and toppings to get the flavor and mouth-feel you’re after.
How to put it together:
Keep your Power Bowl from going soft by putting it together properly. First, get a big container. The bigger the better. Then, combine your protein and grains with dressing and make this the bottom layer of your bowl. Add cooked and/or fresh veggies next and top with greens and any other toppings or finishing touches.
When you’re ready to eat, give your container a big shake to combine everything, and then enjoy! This is easier to do if you’re container is big and the contents have room to mix around.
Do yourself a favor and prepare enough ingredients to put together two or three of these bowls at a time. This way you’ll have lunch or dinner ready when you are. Mix it up by changing the type and preparation of your protein, try a different grain or dressing. Choose ingredients based on how you’re feeling and you’ll never have a sad desk lunch again!
Preparing a Power Bowl for lunch? Share and tag us on Facebook & Instagram!
