A 4-Step Formula for a Healthy Dinner in Under 30 Minutes

Today, I’m sharing one of my #1 healthy hacks for the easiest weeknight meals. The Grain Bowl. It’s less a recipe than it is a formula – and it’s the simplest one at that. 

Here are the 4 things you need:

1. The Base

I used bulgur wheat for this one since we’d had our share of quinoa recently and the family was over that particular grain…seed. Here are a few other favorites you can use: 

– brown rice

– quinoa

– bulgur wheat

– couscous

– lentils (also doubles as a protein)

– cauliflower rice

2. The Protein

I love doubling up on what I call “faux proteins” – and I only call them that because they’re not quite what you’d think of when you think of standard proteins, like chicken or pork. They’re avocado, chickpeas (definitely a protein in its own right), lentils, black beans, etc. 

If you’re making a vegan or vegetarian bowl, the toppings I mentioned above are great alternatives to meat. I’m no expert, but you can load on the following for a bowl that will keep you full:

– lentils

– chickpeas

– tofu

– black beans

– avocado 

– falafel

Other meat-friendly favorites include:

– fajita steak

– grilled chicken

– shrimp

– pork

3. The Vegetables

I love mixing a healthy portion of roasted or baked veggies with fresh veggies. That combination of fresh and cooked makes your bowl exciting to eat. Here are some go-to’s of mine:

– cherry tomatoes

– roasted red onions (takes the bite out of them)

– broccoli

– celery

– carrots

– fennel

– lettuces (butter lettuce is a personal favorite)

– roasted squashes

– roasted sweet potatoes

– fresh corn

– peas

4. The Toppings

Feta is a consistent favorite of mine, but here is where I also like to add some crunch. Take a few minutes and toast some sliced almonds, add candied walnuts, or even make kale chips (bonus points for double dipping into the veggies) and top your bowl with a fabulous crunch. I also like adding things like chopped dried mango or dried unsweetened cranberries – and something different like marinated artichokes, olives, or hearts of palm.

IIf you have something spicy, consider adding a cheese that works with your ingredients. 

Top this all off with a squeeze of lemon, salt and pepper, good olive oil, and balsamic vinegar and you are set, my friend!