6 Steps to Building the Ultimate Fall Power Bowl

Power bowls are a game changer when it comes to healthy habits on your plate. They are meal prep friendly, and with endless combinations, the flavors never get boring! In six simple steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious power bowl to fuel your day with seasonal ingredients that highlight the flavors of Fall.

I’m convinced I could live off of two simple nutritious habits: power bowls and smoothies. Both of these meals follow more of a formula than they do a recipe which keeps the flavors fresh and interesting each week. Smoothies are my secret to a healthy breakfast (and curbing sweet cravings) and power bowls are my secret weapon for busy days.

Related post: How to Build a Healthy Smoothie in 5 Simple Steps

The name “power” bowl says it all. When built in a nutritious way that balances key nutrients (protein, healthy fats and fiber – aka, #theperfecttrifecta), these bowls will leave you feeling satisfied, energized and invincible. Well, at least when it comes to your busy schedule and endless to-do list. I swear these bowls give me superpowers!

6 Steps to Building the Ultimate Fall Power Bowl

Step 1: The Base (Leafy Greens)

Most power bowl formulas encourage a whole grain for the base. I argue that the best base is going to be leafy greens because they are filling and a great way to add volume to the plate. Leafy greens are incredibly energizing and a “must” when building the perfect power bowl! I usually opt for a tender leafy green such as spinach or baby kale.

Step 2: Whole Grains

While I don’t like to make whole grains the star of the plate in an effort to keep carbohydrates in check, I do love hearty grains, especially during the cooler Fall months. Whole grains are a fantastic way to sneak in fiber and some protein, especially if you’re opting for quinoa. You’ll want to keep your serving of grains to ½ cup.

Looking to reduce grains in your diet? Swap this step out for cauliflower rice!

Step 3: Seasonal Veggies

Here’s where things start to get interesting. The variety of vegetables that you can include in your power bowl are endless. I like to stick with seasonal produce to ensure optimal freshness, nutrient quality and affordability! There are many ways to prepare veggies (cooked or even raw), but one of my favorite methods is roasting. It doesn’t get any easier than roasting a big batch of veggies at the beginning of the week to build your power bowl with.

Related post: What’s in season? Fall Produce Guide + Back to Basics: Sheet Pan Roasted Veggies {Fall Edition}

Step 4: Protein

Protein is the key nutrient that is going to meet your hunger needs and keep you full for hours on end. One of my favorite ways to boost the protein in my power bowl is by throwing a can of (rinsed and drained) chickpeas on my roasted veggie tray and adding a sprinkle of hemp seeds to the final bowl.

Did you know that 3 Tablespoons of hemp seeds = 10g protein? Other meal prep-friendly protein options include: grilled or roasted chicken, tofu, lentils, grass-fed beef or salmon.

Step 5: Healthy Fats

A little bit of healthy fats goes a long way in satisfying cravings and providing the body with energy. Healthy fat sources include: ¼ avocado, 1 Tablespoon olive oil, or ¼ cup of nuts or seeds.

Step 6: The Extras

The party is about to get ramped up a bit. The “extras” are what transforms a power bowl from simply providing fuel for the body to a festive meal that you actually look forward to. Extras can be anything from fresh herbs, sprouts, lemon juice and THE SAUCE.

In a cooking class I hosted where power bowls were on the menu, A self-proclaimed meat lover commented that the sauce is what made it for him. With the help of the sauce, I might have converted him to incorporating more meatless meals into his week (<- win)!

My favorite power bowl sauce during the Fall season is one that has a maple tahini flavor. It pairs perfectly with roasted butternut squash and brussel sprouts and couldn’t be simpler to make.

The Ultimate Fall Power Bowl

• Author: FitLiving Eats by Carly Paige
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 20 min
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 2 Servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Power bowls are a game changer when it comes to healthy habits on your plate. They are meal prep friendly, and with endless combinations, the flavors never get boring! In six simple steps, you can create a delicious and nutritious power bowl to fuel your day with seasonal ingredients that highlight the flavors of Fall.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 cups leafy greens
• 1 cup cooked whole grain (my favorite is quinoa)
• 2 cups roasted seasonal veggies (I love a combination of butternut squash, brussel sprouts and cauliflower)
• 1 serving protein (I love a combo of 1 cup garbanzo beans + 1/4 cup hemp seeds)
• 1 serving healthy fat (fall favorites are 1/4 avocado or 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds)

For the maple tahini sauce:

• 1/4 cup tahini
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 1/4 cup water, to thin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

FOR THE ROASTED VEGETABLES

1. Cut everything to a similar size and spread evenly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Drizzle with avocado oil and sprinkle with salt.
3. Roast at 425 degrees for about 15-25 minutes depending on the type of veggies.

FOR THE SAUCE

1. Combine all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
2. Add more water if needed to thin.

TO ASSEMBLE

1. Layer the leafy greens, whole grain, roasted veggies, protein and healthy fat divided evenly between two bowls.
2. Drizzle with the maple tahini sauce and serve!

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 cup sauce
• Calories: 209
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 542mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: power bowl, buddha bowl, fall, maple tahini, roasted veggies

Cheers to more “power” in your day,