easy cooking

A Delicious and Easy Buddha Bowl for the Time-Crunched and Busy.

I heard an analogy yesterday that shifted my thinking. Arianna Huffington, the President and Editor-in-chief of the Huffington Post, made the observation that we treat our smartphones with more respect than our own bodies. Wow. Think about that. It's true! We make it a point to have our phones fully charged, and when we travel we make sure we have a back-up charger or battery so they don't die. We buy special cases for them and make sure they're updated with the latest apps.

It's easy for most people to skimp on sleep or eat unhealthy food because they're so busy and don't have the time.  But continuing this pattern sets them up to live in a way where they're running on empty and never fully charged.

Here's an easy solution. Put on some of your favorite music. Chop all of your favorite veggies (sweet potatoes, red onions, beets, cauliflower, bell peppers, squash, broccoli, or whatever sparks joy for you), drizzle some olive oil to lightly coat them, and roast in the oven at 400 degrees F. Stir every 20 minutes or so, until they are done (usually 45 minutes). While those are roasting, prepare 1 cup of dry quinoa with 2 cups of water on the stovetop. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low until the quinoa is fluffy. You can add your favorite dressing, or try this one:

Cashew Miso Ginger Dressing:

  1. In a small bowl, add enough hot water to cover 3/4 cup of cashews. Let this sit/soak until the cashews are softened.
  2. Pour the water and cashews into a blender and blend until smooth.
  3. Add 1 tsp miso paste, 1/2 juice of a lemon, 1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp soy sauce
  4. Blend together, and add water to thin out the consistency as desired.

Arrange your roasted vegetables, tofu, beans, or other colorful whole foods on top of the bed of quinoa, and drizzle with your dressing of choice. This meal is vibrant, full of life-giving energy, and delicious. When you nourish your body with nutritious food, it's like plugging into the power outlet. You're recharging yourself so you can be more present, more focused, and more loving to your friends and family. Enjoy!