Build-Your-Own Grain Bowls

Lunches have always been my biggest struggle.

I was never one to 'meal prep' {until recently...but more on that later!} so most mornings were spent rushing around grabbing whatever was in view that could possibly be made into a meal. Or for those extra lazy days, I would stop for something on my way to work. One of my favorite places to grab wholesome bites just happens to be Hyannis' The Local Juice.

Just walking through the door makes me instantly feel healthier. Like I get all zenned out and my inner plantbased, farmer chick comes out. Seriously, I just want to go harvest some local veggies and dig around in the dirt. It's the vibe of The Local Juice that actually helped kick start some of my healthy eating. When going through my first round of Whole 30, I became obsessed with juicing, and The Local Juice has the best cold pressed organic juice around. From there I would pop in and get what they called 'grain bowls', basically a mix of all things green, with beautiful fresh veggies and an array of beans, quinoa and other sources of farm-raised protein. 

After learning that the Local Juice was run by local registered dietitian, Nicole Cormier, I decided to explore her practice more closely and soon became a client of Delicious Living Nutrition, Inc. I work with the amazingly awesome, lovely Dianna Carpentieri MS, RD, LDN and I kid you not, one of our first appointments included the anatomy of my all-time favorite grain bowl.

Another variation! I can't get enough of these, so easy to meal prep. 

So taking what Dianna has taught me, I've made a few of my own, and decided to share a favorite with you! Remember these are HIGHLY customizable, so feel free to pull a grain bowl together based on whatever you may have prepped. Just be sure to include your base of greens, some additional veg, your grain of choice and a protein source. Dianna has also encouraged me to consider 'healthy additions', so I love to add some sprinkle love to my grain bowls with things like hemp hearts :)

Not Your Average Desk Lunch:

• 2-3 cups organic arugula

• 1/2 cup cooked tricolor quinoa

• 1/3 of an english cucumber, sliced

• 1/3 - 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1 hardboiled cage free egg

• Season with a pinch of sea salt, cracked black pepper and fresh lemon juice

Looking for some more combination inspiration?

Here are some of my favorite healthy additions and subs:

Greens - spinach, kale, swiss chard

Veggies/Fruits - mushrooms, peppers, tomato, squash, apples

Protein - canned tuna/salmon, chickpeas, black beans, lentils

Grains - farro, cous cous, brown rice

Extras - hemp hearts, sunflower seeds, sliced almonds, kimchi or pickled veggies {Trader Joe's has some amazing spicy ones here!} 

Get creative! What are you putting in your grain bowl?

- Xo Kelly