How to Build a Better Grain Bowl

Start with whole grains, add veggies and beans, sprinkle with protein, and drizzle with sauce. Top with crunch, and toss.

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Step 1: Ace the Base Start with whole grains. They'll add volume and fiber (and fill up your stomach), while soaking up all the saucy goodness that trickles down through the top layers.

Step 2: Pile on the Produce Mix and match veggies. Try raw spinach with pickled onion, or grilled pineapple with shredded cabbage. Aim for at least 1 cup veggies and 1/3 cup beans.

Step 3: A Little Meat Travels Far There's no center stage in a bowl. A few ounces of meat or seafood serve as an excellent flavor booster; season well, and shred or finely chop to get a little in each bite. Big-flavor foods like smoked meats, bacon, or a fried egg work wonders on top of a bowl.

Step 4: Sauce It Up This is your key component. The sauce is what brings all the bits and pieces together.

Step 5: Top It Off Add something crunchy like nuts or seeds, and finish with something bright like fresh herbs to make the top pop.