Balanced Power Bowl Recipe

(Serves 2 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Calories: ~450–500 per bowl)

Looking for a nutritious, energizing meal that aligns with a whole-body wellness approach? This Balanced Power Bowl is a delicious choice that reflects the core values of Functional Medicine Los Angeles—nourishing the body with intentional, whole-food ingredients.

Ingredients:

For the bowl:

1. 2 cups mixed leafy greens or spinach (½ plate – veggies)
2. 1 cup roasted sweet potatoes, diced (½ cup per person – ¼ plate complex carbs)
3. 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice (½ cup per person – optional carb alternative)
4. 1 cup chickpeas or grilled chicken breast, cooked (½ cup per person – ¼ plate protein)
5. ½ avocado, sliced (¼ per person – healthy fat)
6. 1 medium cucumber, sliced
7. ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
8. 1 tablespoon olive oil (½ tbsp per bowl – healthy fat)

For the dressing:

1. 1 tbsp tahini
2. 1 tsp lemon juice
3. 1 tsp olive oil
4. 1 tsp maple syrup or honey
5. 1 tsp water (to thin, as needed)
6. Pinch of salt & pepper
   

Instructions:

1. Roast the sweet potatoes:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss diced sweet potatoes in a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until tender and slightly crisp. This step alone adds a grounding element to your meal, a concept supported by functional medicine Burbank practitioners who emphasize balanced blood sugar and anti-inflammatory foods.
2. Prepare the protein:
   If using chicken, grill or bake seasoned chicken breast until fully cooked, then slice. If using chickpeas, drain and rinse. For an extra crunch, roast them with spices—a great tip endorsed by functional medicine Toluca Lake professionals who often recommend plant-based protein swaps to support gut and hormone health.
3. Build your bowl:
   In each serving bowl, add 1 cup leafy greens, ½ cup roasted sweet potatoes, ½ cup quinoa or rice, ½ cup chickpeas or sliced chicken, and ¼ avocado. Add cucumber and tomatoes on the side. This bowl follows the plate method commonly recommended by functional medicine doctors for supporting energy, digestion, and metabolic health.
4. Drizzle with dressing:
   Whisk all dressing ingredients together and drizzle about 1 tablespoon per bowl.
5. Serve and enjoy!
   Eat mindfully, chewing slowly to savor flavors and support digestion.

🥄 Portion Breakdown (Per Bowl):

• Veggies: 1 cup leafy greens, cucumber, tomato (½ plate)
• Protein: ½ cup chickpeas or grilled chicken (¼ plate)
• Carbs: ½ cup sweet potatoes or grains (¼ plate)
• Healthy fat: ¼ avocado + ½ tbsp olive oil

This power bowl is more than just a meal—it’s a foundational step toward the personalized nutrition approach practiced in Functional Medicine Los Angeles, where food is viewed as a powerful tool for healing and optimal living.