Not sure if you’ve noticed, but there’s this trend that has been gaining speed lately. Some call them Buddha Bowls; some call them Nourish Bowls; others call them Macro Bowls. Call them what you want, but they’re making me feel inspired AF to eat healthy.
These nourishing bowls are packed with healthy foods and have become pretty popular among health enthusiasts. They’re usually beautiful and colorful, use simple ingredients, include a variety of foods, and require some food prep up front, allowing you to throw together extremely healthy meals the rest of the week.
I’m convinced this healthy bowl phenomenon is the key to my eating much more nutritious meals—and with less effort.
I came across the term “Buddha Bowl” a few months ago, but it wasn’t until I watched a cooking segment that included an interview with Hilaria Baldwin that this type of bowl really peaked my interest. She calls hers “Nourish Bowls,” which is the name I personally prefer for the types of bowls I plan to start making.
Just a little background, there are three main types of bowl concoctions that I keep finding: Nourish, Buddha, and Macro Bowls. They seems to all be extremely similar, with slight differences.
What are they? In general, these bowl-based concoctions incorporate a balance of the following:
- Base of whole grains (e.g. rice, barley, quinoa, etc.)
- Raw or roasted vegetables
- Protein (e.g. fish, meat, beans, tofu, etc.)
- Other healthy fats as desired (e.g. avocado, hummus, nuts, seeds, etc.)
- Dressing (optional; usually a freshly blended homemade mixture)
That’s a pretty basic formula for the colorful, nourishing bowls. When it comes to their differences, here’s a little look at the thought process behind Nourish vs. Buddha vs. Macro Bowls:
Nourish Bowl: also called Nourishment Bowls, are filled with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients to make a filling meal.
Buddha Bowls: also called Hippie, Glory, or Sunshine Bowls, are often vegan or vegetarian (think: plant-based proteins), but meat is included in some recipes.
Macro Bowls: also called Macrobiotic Bowls, include ingredients that are grouped together with the purpose of hitting all your macros—aka carbs, protein, and fat.
The definitions of each of these will vary a bit depending on the source you read, but what I shared above is my main takeaway of each. The general idea is…they’re a little bit of everything and not a lot of any one thing.
These one-bowl meals remind me of my Quinoa Protein Bowl—but on nutrient crack. I’m weirdly excited to start making my own “Nourish Bowls” with LOTS of delicious, colorful veggies. If I come up with any particularly amazing concoctions, you know where to find them. 😉
Until then, wish me luck!
Have you ever heard of or made your own Buddha/Nourish/Macro Bowls?
If you’ve made something like this before, what were your favorite ingredient combos?
FAQs
Frequently asked questions. What are the 5 key components of a buddha bowl? A buddha bowl should contain a grain, a vegetable, a fat, a protein, and a sauce.
What are the 5 key components of a buddha bowl? ›
Frequently asked questions. What are the 5 key components of a buddha bowl? A buddha bowl should contain a grain, a vegetable, a fat, a protein, and a sauce.
How to assemble a buddha bowl? ›
How do you make a Buddha bowl?
- Choose a grainy base. Fill the bottom of a large (2- to 3-cups is ideal) bowl ⅓ of the way with hot or cold whole grains, like brown rice, bulgur, barley, quinoa, or polenta. ...
- Pile on the veggies. ...
- Add legumes. ...
- Sprinkle with crunch and flavor. ...
- Drizzle with sauce.
The formula for creating macro bowls is really quite simple: grains + vegetables + protein + fat. How much you need of each will vary from person to person, based on your body type and any particular goals you have for your health.
What is the difference between a nourish bowl and a buddha bowl? ›
Unlike a pasta dish or a salad where all the ingredients are mixed, the items in a buddha bowl remain independent separate. Buddha bowls are similar to another type of dish called nourish bowls – however, the main difference is nourish bowls can include animal protein.
What is the difference between a macro bowl and a Buddha Bowl? ›
Macro Bowls: Nourish Bowl: also called Nourishment Bowls, are filled with simple, nutrient-dense ingredients to make a filling meal. Buddha Bowls: also called Hippie, Glory, or Sunshine Bowls, are often vegan or vegetarian (think: plant-based proteins), but meat is included in some recipes.
Are Buddha bowls healthy? ›
Buddha bowls are filling, healthy and fun meals that pack most of the nutrients your body needs. Preparing Buddha bowls can be a relaxing activity with a very rewarding payoff: you get a delicious and balanced meal that will enrich your day, body and soul, overall health and your Instagram/Pinterest feed.
Why are Buddha bowls so good? ›
There were no processed foods at this time, so it was likely to be simple and healthy – maybe a few beans, grains, vegetables, or stew. Buddha bowls are based on this principle of simplicity – a nutritionally and energetically balanced meal based on what is available, with fairly minimal prep.
What does a buddha bowl contain? ›
A Buddha bowl is a vegetarian meal, served on a single bowl or high-rimmed plate, which consists of small portions of several foods, served cold. These may include whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice, plant proteins such as chickpeas or tofu, and vegetables.
Why are they called Buddha bowls? ›
Buddhist Beliefs/Diet – Some say that these bowls were given their name because they seem to represent some version of a Buddhist diet – particularly for the reason that they are generally vegetarian.
1 serving of buddha bowl contains 269 Calories. The macronutrient breakdown is 70% carbs, 3% fat, and 27% protein. This is a good source of protein (33% of your Daily Value), fiber (23% of your Daily Value), and potassium (10% of your Daily Value).
Why is it called a macro bowl? ›
A macro bowl is essentially a meal made up of all the macronutrients our body needs, carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
How do I start calculating macros? ›
Calculate Your Macros
Since each gram of carbohydrate and protein contains 4 calories, and each gram of fat contains 9 calories, you can calculate your macro needs as follows: Carbohydrates: Daily calories * 0.40 / 4 = grams of carbs per day. Proteins: Daily calories * 0.30 / 4 = grams of proteins per day.
What are the benefits of nourish bowls? ›
Nourish bowls contain a complete macronutrient profile of complex carbohydrate, lean protein, and healthy fat. And most significantly, they contain lots and lots of fibre, vitamins, and minerals, giving you an extra nutrient kick with each meal.
What is another name for a nourish bowl? ›
A wellness bowl is another name for a Nourish Bowl. These bowls are packed with grains, nutritious vegetables and are intended to help fuel your body and improve your overall health.
Are poke bowls the same as Buddha bowls? ›
Think they're the same thing? Then think again! While one is a healthy one-bowl meal inspired by a Buddhist tradition, the other is a marketing salad with dubious eco-friendly credentials. Here's everything you need to know about these two popular dishes.
What does a Buddha bowl contain? ›
A Buddha bowl is a vegetarian meal, served on a single bowl or high-rimmed plate, which consists of small portions of several foods, served cold. These may include whole grains such as quinoa or brown rice, plant proteins such as chickpeas or tofu, and vegetables.
What are the seven bowls of water Buddhism? ›
The seven offering bowls
As a guest is said to have been received and offered water to drink, water to wash the feet, flower garlands, incense, lamps, perfume and food, it is common to find similar offerings of the seven items in Buddhist rituals of deity worship.
What does a bowl mean in Buddhism? ›
At their core, Lein said, Buddha bowls are about “balancing the different types of food that you eat,” and not eating too much of any one thing. Buddha bowls were starting to sound a lot like grain bowls to me, though it seems they don't necessarily have to have a grain.
What are the origins of Buddha Bowl? ›
“The origin of the Buddha Bowl is quite literal – it is said that Buddha would carry a large bowl through the village and individuals would generously place food in the bowl as a donation,” says Martin Knaubert, Director of Food & Beverage, and former executive chef at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina.
