I made a delicious lunch this past week that I want to share. It made me feel full and energized (not bloated and sluggish), which is how you want to feel after eating! If you do feel bloated and sluggish, you need to take a hard look at your gut health. It is possible you have an overgrowth of the wrong kinds of bacteria in your small intestines called SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth), but I’ll talk more about that in another post.
Feel free to make this or any other recipes your own. Have fun in the kitchen and experiment with different flavors. I usually don’t even measure my spices. I throw a little of this and a little of that until I like the taste. This Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl even makes a delicious, satisfying breakfast!
Now, let’s talk about some of the health benefits of the ingredients.
Sweet Potatoes:
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and a good source of vitamin C, manganese, and potassium. Vitamin A is used to make light-detecting receptors inside your eyes. They are a good source of fiber and contain antioxidants that protect against systemic inflammation and improve gut health. Supporting your gut health and eating colorful vegetables that contain antioxidants can improve immune and brain function. Shake it up and try some purple sweet potatoes!
Quinoa:
Quinoa (KEEN-wah) is a nutrient dense grain that is grown for its seeds (the part we call quinoa). It comes in red, black, and white. I love to use a combination of all three colors in my cooking. Fiber, protein, folate, magnesium, zinc, and iron are just some of the benefits of quinoa. Quercetin and kaempferol are two flavonoids found in quinoa that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. High fiber foods like quinoa also fuel the beneficial bacteria in the gut and help to support digestive health. This seed is a good source of protein and is naturally gluten-free. This is a good carbohydrate choice to add to your diet.
Swiss Chard/Leafy Greens:
Dark leafy greens are an excellent addition to this dish. Even a small serving size has plenty of vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin C and magnesium. Swiss chard is a good source of iron, copper, potassium, calcium, and vitamin E. Leafy greens can help lower the risk for diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis. For optimal health, many people would benefit by incorporating 3 cups of leafy greens in their daily diet.
Sweet Peppers:
Red sweet bell peppers are full of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin B6, folate, fiber, and vitamin K. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune health. Vitamin A (as previously mentioned) is good for eye health. Vitamin B6 and folate help to lower homocysteine levels which can reduce the risk for heart disease. Vitamin K is important for our clotting factors and fiber is good for overall gut health. Sweet peppers come in a variety of colors, which can indicate different amounts of micronutrients and phytonutrients available. Try a different color to give a different look to your sweet potato bowl!
So, if you are looking for a filling, nutritious lunch (or breakfast or dinner), look no further than this Roasted Sweet Potato Bowl.
Are you ready to PIVOT to functional health and wellness?
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