Foods rich in antioxidants are excellent for neutralizing free radicals in the body, which helps protect cells from damage and supports overall health, including skin health. Some antioxidant-rich foods include berries (like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries), leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), nuts and seeds (like almonds and sunflower seeds), colorful fruits and vegetables (like oranges, carrots, and bell peppers), and spices (such as turmeric and cinnamon).
Here’s a simple, delicious, and nutritious recipe for a Quinoa and Veggie Buddha Bowl that incorporates some of these antioxidant-rich foods:
Fish and Veggie Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
- 2 fillets of your favorite fish (such as salmon, cod, mahi, or ono)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 medium sweet potato, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
- Optional: lemon wedges, tahini dressing
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place diced sweet potato on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare the fish fillets. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with salt and pepper. Place the fillets on a separate baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- In a separate baking sheet, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly crispy.
- Assemble your Buddha bowls: divide cooked fish fillets among serving bowls. Arrange roasted sweet potato, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, baby spinach, and avocado slices on top of the fish.
- Sprinkle mixed nuts and seeds over the bowls for an added crunch.
- Serve the Buddha bowls with optional lemon wedges and drizzle with tahini dressing, if desired.
This wholesome Fish and Veggie Buddha Bowl is bursting with antioxidants, protein, and essential nutrients to support your skin health and overall well-being. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal as a satisfying lunch or dinner option that nourishes your body inside and out!
Dr. Joanna Smith, DNP, MSN, RN, MBA, SSGB, RT, LE, CLT
President & CEO
Integrated Medicine Institute, Inc.