How to build your own vegan nourish bowl - One method, endless possibilities!

The nourish bowl has become my go-to lunch (and sometimes dinner) since going vegan. It’s the easiest way to whip up a quick, balanced and tasty meal that is full of nutrients and flavours. Plus, it never gets boring, because you can literally use different ingredients every day. Here’s how to build your own vegan nourish bowl.

What is a nourish bowl?

A nourish bowl is nothing but a bunch of nutritious foods thrown together to create a well-balanced bowl of goodness. Made of mainly whole foods, a nourish bowl contains veggies, healthy fats, proteins and complex carbs.

Not only does it taste good but it also makes you feel good, satisfied and keeps you full for hours.

5 reasons to get on the vegan nourish bowl hype

They are perfect for new vegans

When starting your plant-based journey, one of your challenges is to know what to eat and to ensure that you’re not lacking any key nutrients.

Vegan nourish bowls offer the perfect solution. It’s the easiest way to create a well-balanced meal in no time. All you have to do is follow the simple method (detailed in the next section).

They are super versatile

There is actually no “recipe” for vegan nourish bowl, just a method to ensure your bowl contains all the good stuff for a nutritious plant-based meal. As long as you follow this method, you can use any foods you love and have in your fridge or pantry.

It also means that you can eat yummy vegan nourish bowls all year round, hot or cold, using what’s in season.

They are so satisfying

Mainly made of whole foods, vegan nourish bowls are high in fibre and contain the perfect balance of protein, fats and complex carbs. Having a vegan nourish bowl for lunch will keep you full until dinner!

They are delicious

Not only are vegan nourish bowls very filling but the variety of textures, flavours and colours make your tastebuds happy. Not to mention that they are also visually appealing, which makes your meal even more enjoyable.

They offer endless possibilities

There’s literally thousands of combinations possible, allowing you to eat a different vegan nourish bowl every single day and never get bored of it!

How to build your perfect vegan nourish bowl

1: Choose your base

Start with a generous portion of leaves: spinach, kale, cos lettuce, rocket…

2: Add veggies

Broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, tomatoes, sweetcorn, beetroot, cucumber… They can be raw, boiled, roasted… Add as many as you want!

3: Then a source of complex carbs

Sweet potato, brown rice, chickpeas, beans and quinoa are the most popular options.

4: Follow with a source of protein

Tofu, tempeh, soy mince… Beans, chickpeas and falafels can also count as a protein source (as well as providing carbs and fats).

5: Now for some healthy fats

Add some avocado, tahini, nuts, seeds, olive oil…

6: The final touches

For more taste and even more nutrients, sprinkle some herbs, seeds, nutritional yeast… You can even add some vegan cheese, coconut yogurt or fruits such as goji berries or figs.

Vegan nourish bowl inspiration

Here are some of my go-to combinations.

1: Spinach, roasted sweet potato, beetroot falafels, cauliflower rice, broccoli, sweet corn, tahini & lemon dressing, flax & sesame seeds (picture above).

2: Crispy kale, marinated tofu, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, quinoa, avocado, chia seeds & raisins.

Are you starting your plant-based journey? Download your free Thriving on Plants Guide full of practical tips and food ideas!