To make sure that the bowls are balanced in flavor, texture and nutrition, choose at least one ingredient from each category. (Bonus points for going heavy on the veggies.)

Start with a base of leafy greens: spinach, kale, shredded Brussels sprouts, Swiss chard, Mustard greens, arugula, bok choy, pea shoots

Add unlimited raw, roasted, steamed or grilled veggies: carrots, peppers, beets, roasted eggplant, asparagus, Brussels, broccoli, cauliflower, bean sprouts, green beans, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, shredded cabbage, onion, jicama

Toss in a grain or starch: quinoa, brown rice, wild rice, butternut squash, sweet potatoes, soba (buckwheat) noodles

Include protein: chickpeas, black beans, lentils, salmon, tuna, grilled chicken, edamame, veggie burgers, hard boiled eggs

Don’t forget the healthy fats: seeds, nuts, avocado, drizzle of pumpkin, coconut or olive oil

Top it off with dressings/sauces: hummus, lemon/lime squeeze & olive oil, tahini, salsa, pesto, miso ginger sauce, tamari

Extra credit for some nutritional boosts: fresh herbs, hemp seeds, sesame seeds, a fried egg (it’s a thing!), nutritional yeast, seaweed

Not sure where to start? Pick a theme for every night of the week. Try Mediterranean with brown rice, lentils, and spinach as your main ingredients. Or Mexican, and fill your bowl with grilled chicken, black beans, and a mango salsa. Go for a more Asian-inspired meal with tofu, brown rice, edamame, red pepper and broccoli. Choose roasted veggies & quinoa to pair with a warm tahini sauce. Anything goes. Just be willing to get a little creative.

When it’s time to eat dinner each night, pull out some {big} bowls and let everyone mix & match their ingredients. Some like spicy foods, others prefer simple combos, one is all plant-based, another needs animal protein…the possibilities are endless. No two bowls are alike. Everybody is happy…without a recipe.