Protein bowls or power bowls are a balanced meal. These can be made at home essily. And they are also available in fast food restaurants and other cafes. They are tasty, nutritious, versatile, and customizable. Moreover, they assist in weight loss. The bowls are filling and satisfying too.
Protein bowls or Power bowls
Protein bowls or Power bowls are full of nutrients and they are tasty too. They can be customized according to your needs and desires. And they come in a lot of variety and also with different flavors. These bowls contain healthy ingredients in the form of healthy carbs, lean protein and vegetables. Thus they invariably contain whole grains, lean protein sources such as grilled chicken, tofu or legumes and antioxidants rich veggies.
Chicken Protein bowl (Source: Eating bird food)These bowls are nutritious and also filling with low calories. They keep a person full for a longer time and this helps in weight management. For healthy digestion and good gut health, certain ingredients can be added to these bowls as toppings. Ali Fiorella, integrative nutrition health coach explains that fermented foods, herbs and lentils are the go-to toppings in protein bowls to increase their gut friendliness.
Fermented foods
Ali states that raw sauerkraut and kimchi can be added to these bowls to further enrich them. These help the digestive process and also up the flavor of the food dish. These foods have probiotics in them and can increase the amount of good bacteria in the gut. But Ali cautions:
“You want to make sure the products you are buying are raw and found in the refrigerated section because those are what contain living bacteria, as opposed to the sauerkraut you would find on a shelf,”
Herbs
A protein bowl (Source: Jar of lemons)Herbs such as dill, oregano, and basil can increase the flavor of the bowl and they are wonderful for the gut. The nutrition health coach adds:
“They have properties that can aid digestion, reduce inflammation and support a healthy gut,”
“Both basil and oregano are antimicrobial, meaning they can combat the growth of bad bacteria in the gut associated with GI issues, as well as cold and illnesses.”
These have minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants along with dietary fiber. All these ensure a healthy gastrointestinal system.
Lentils
Besides the other sources of lean protein, one can add lentils to these power bowls. Ali elaborates:
“Quality protein is essential for our overall health and the strength of our gut lining.”
Also, read Beet root juice: benefits for heart, liver, gut, and skin!
Protein bowl (Source: Iowa Girl Eats)Lentils are a great plant based option to animal protein and the former also contain dietary fiber. Ali opines:
“Fiber feeds the good bacteria in our gut and also keeps things moving through our digestive system. It’s essential to a happy and healthy gut!”
“Plus, lentils are also an easy to digest bean, so if you find yourself struggling with other types of beans, give lentils a try.”
Ali recommends cooking these lentils in bone broth as this increases gut nourishment along with the protein boost.