What does a slop bowl look like with this balance? If you’re eating your bowl for lunch, dinner, or after a workout, Dr. Joan Salge Blake says it might consist of ground turkey, chili, guacamole, Mexican cheese, and salsa. You can also combine quinoa, beans or brown rice, grilled chicken, peppers or greens, carrots and avocado or olive oil — a recommendation from Dr. Chris Mohr.
“For dinner you can use heartier grains like farro or barley. Combine them with a protein source like roasted salmon or black beans and green vegetables like sautéed kale or roasted Brussels sprouts. Add nuts or tahini sauce for extra fat, and you’ll have a balanced evening meal. If you’re short on time, you can mix together roast chicken, bagged rice or quinoa, canned beans, and frozen vegetables,” continues Dr. Chris Mohr.
Or maybe you prefer your bowl in the morning. Dr. Joan Salge Blake recommends making oatmeal, with protein powder or Greek yogurt, nuts and berries. You can also prepare scrambled eggs with vegetables and low-fat cheese.
Slop bowl: mistakes to avoid
No matter what time of day you eat your slop bowl, the biggest mistake is giving up fiber, according to Dr. Joan Salge Blake. If most of the bowls you see on social media are rather dull in color, it’s probably because they don’t incorporate enough fruits or vegetables, which are as colorful as they are nutrient-rich. James LeBaigue follows suit: ideally, your bowl should contain vegetables. And no, that doesn’t mean you have to spruce up your meal. “Ingredients can be thrown together without worrying about presentation,” he explains.
In addition, just because it is presented in bowl form does not mean it is good for your health, remind doctors Chris Mohr and Joan Salge Blake. “The nutritional value is highly dependent on the quality and quantity of the ingredients. Those found at fast food stores can contain up to 1,500 calories, depending on the toppings. Creating your bowl using excess grains, proteins or fats and without fiber can have a negative impact on the overall nutritional content of the meal,” continues the physiologist.
According to James LeBaigue, if your bowl is loaded with cream sauce, oil or cheese, it’s likely to contain a lot of saturated fat, making it a meal that’s not exactly good for your heart. or your health. Be sure to always choose the right toppings. He also advises avoiding eating the same thing over and over again. “A lack of variety in ingredients can lead to nutrient deficiencies,” he explains. In other words, change your recipe regularly.
As with any meal, it’s all about the ingredients. “Slop bowls are a fantastic example of how eating can be flexible and convenient without being overly complicated. They can serve as a starting point for a healthier diet, provided they are composed in a balanced way. As with any meal, context is important: a slop bowl can be a powerhouse of nutrients or comfort food, depending on how it is prepared,” says LeBaigue. As long as you use a good mix of nutrient-rich ingredients, a slop bowl is a dietitian-approved recovery meal or snack. And if you make one, don’t hesitate to share the recipe!
Originally published on GQ US
