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The last of the Christmas cookies have been enjoyed and Three Kings Day was celebrated last week. This officially marks the end of the holiday season. You know what that means. Time to reset and begin keeping our New Year resolutions.
One of those resolutions we make time and time again is to improve our eating habits. But the number one question I get asked is, how do we add more fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts to our diet without spending too much money?
There is a saying, “you don’t have to be wealthy to be healthy.” Eating a balanced diet of fresh, whole food can be easy if one does a little bit of research and expand on their creativity.
One of the best places to find delicious, fresh ingredients is at The 99 Cents Only Store. They carry everything you need to prepare great meals. One of the easiest and healthiest meals I like to prepare a few times a month are Buddha bowls.
Buddha bowls can be prepared with a variety of vibrant, nutritious ingredients. Depending on your taste and ingredient availability, they differ every time.
The basic Buddha bowl must include three elements: a grain, veggies and a bean. No meat. I like to add seeds or nuts sometimes and a simple dressing. Everything you need for a tasty, satisfying meal.
The vegetables can be either fresh or cooked. For my Buddha bowls, I decided to prepare a winter Buddha bowl with roasted vegetables and a southwestern, Tex-Mex fresh bowl..
And guess what? I completely 99’ed it with lots of colorful ingredients purchased at The 99. Grains such as quinoa and rice make a great base in your bowls. If you don’t have time to cook rice, no worries. The 99 carries a variety of microwaveable rice you can heat up in 2 minutes.
I found everything I needed. Their produce section has lots of fresh fruits and vegetables to inspire your bowl. They even have trendy vegetables such as butternut squash and spaghetti squash. Where else can you purchase so much fresh produce at such a low price? Nowhere else. I spent one-third of what I would’ve spent at any other grocery store. The 99’s prices can’t be beat. One of the many reasons I’m an avid 99’er.
There is lots of inspiration in the aisles of The 99. I found a huge section of seeds, nuts and salad additions for my bowls. I opted for crunchy, baked soy beans for my winter bowl and some colorful corn tortilla strips for my Southwestern style bowl. It’s so hassle free.
Let’s not forget the canned goods section. You will find great ingredients such as black beans, corn kernels, chickpeas and white beans for your very own Buddha bowls. Check often because you will find delightful surprises at every turn of The 99. Click here to find the store nearest you.
How to Roast Spaghetti Squash and Butternut Squash
Ingredients
For Spaghetti Squash
1(1.5 lb) spaghetti squash
Olive oil
salt
black ground pepper
For Butternut Squash
1 (1.5-2lbs) Butternut Squash
Olive oil
salt
black ground pepper
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400° F
For Spaghetti Squash: Trim spaghetti squash ends, stand upright and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds with a spoon, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place squash halves cut side down on a large baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until center of squash is tender. Remove from oven and let cool enough to handle.
Scrape the inside of squash with fork, making strands. Discard skin.
For Butternut Squash: Trim butternut squash ends, stand upright and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop out seeds with a spoon, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Place squash halves cut side down on a large baking sheet. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until center of squash is tender. Remove from oven and let cool enough to handle.
Carefully cut or peel skin. Cut in cubes.
Southwestern Tex-Mex Buddha Bowl
Ingredients
cooked white or brown rice
roasted, fresh or canned corn (if using canned corn, drain and rinse)
avocado, chopped
canned black beans, drained and rinsed
small onion, roasted
fresh or roasted bell pepper, chopped
jalapeño slices
lime juice
For Garnish
baked tortilla strips
cilantro sprig
Instructions
Place rice in bowl. Top with remaining ingredients. Garnish with tortilla strips and cilantro sprig.
Winter Buddha Bowl
Ingredients
cooked quinoa
cooked couscous according to package instructions
Roasted spaghetti squash, in strands
Roasted butternut squash, chopped
Roasted zucchini
Roasted tomato
crispy soy beans
Tangy Dressing
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
pinch of salt
Instructions
Place couscous in a bowl. Top with vegetables. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with crispy soy beans.
Directions for Tangy Dressing
Place ingredients in a medium bowl. Whisk until completely combined.
