Power bowls are quickly becoming one of my favorite lunches, but I’m not talking just a little kale side salad. I’m talking about a power bowl, ripe with nutrients like vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, protein, and let’s not forget flavor. When I say flavor, I’m referring to every ingredient. The proper pairings make or break a salad, in my opinion.

The real goal here is to pack as much nutrition as possible into one bowl to power through your busy day. You will need a few ingredients to get started, but let’s break down the components of a Power Bowl:

Fresh greens

Photo: Natural Food

Spinach, kale, parsley, beets, greens, lettuce — these are all foods that will ensure that your body gets raw enzymes, vitamins, and chlorophyll to reduce the oxidative stress and reduce the damages of free radicals.

Antioxidant-rich foods

Photo: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Sweet potato, beets, butternut squash, carrots — they offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection.

Healthy Fats

Photo: The Heart Foundation

What do avocado, nuts, seeds, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, extra virgin olive oil all have in common? They have been known to support a balanced hormone production, reduce cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular diseases and help your body cells regenerate.

Carbohydrates

Photo: American Heart Association

Carbs are the primary source of energy for our bodies. You can rev it up by adding legumes, oats, brown rice, and fruit to help fuel the body.

Fiber

Photo: Vegetarian Times

Fiber is one of those things that can be found in pretty much anything. You can see it in vegetables, legumes, cereals and brown rice. As for its benefits, it can help with digestion and flush out toxins, excess estrogen and cholesterol.

Protein

Photo: Thrive Global

Eggs, quinoa and organic, lean meats are essential for regenerating the body tissues and for the regulation of enzymes and hormones.

As long as you put together as many micronutrients as you can, your bowl will be a nourishing one, sis.

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Lunch meals