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Healthy Lower Cortisol Summer Foods Bowl Easy Stress Relief Recipe

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A refreshing and nutrient-packed bowl designed to lower cortisol and soothe your nerves, perfect for hot summer days and stress relief.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups mixed baby spinach and kale leaves
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 medium ripe avocado, sliced
  • ½ medium cucumber, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup fresh blueberries
  • ¼ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp raw honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse ½ cup dry quinoa under cold water to remove bitterness. Combine with 1 cup water in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
  2. While quinoa cooks, rinse and dry the baby spinach and kale leaves thoroughly. Remove any tough stems from kale. Place the greens in a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small jar or bowl, combine 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, chopped mint leaves, 1 teaspoon honey (optional), sea salt, and cracked black pepper. Shake or whisk until emulsified.
  4. Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and slice thinly. Thinly slice cucumber. Measure blueberries, walnuts, and chia seeds.
  5. Add the cooked quinoa to the greens and drizzle half the dressing over. Toss gently to combine and coat the leaves and grains.
  6. Arrange avocado slices, cucumber, blueberries, walnuts, and sprinkle chia seeds on top. Drizzle remaining dressing over the bowl.
  7. Give everything a light sprinkle of sea salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Serve immediately or chill for 10 minutes for a cooler bite.

Notes

Rinse quinoa well to remove bitterness. Use a sharp knife to chop herbs for best flavor. Avoid over-dressing to keep the bowl fresh and light. Assemble just before eating to prevent avocado browning and berries getting mushy. Dressing can be packed separately for picnics or lunchboxes.

Nutrition

Keywords: healthy bowl, stress relief, lower cortisol, summer recipe, quinoa bowl, avocado, kale, spinach, blueberries, walnuts, gluten-free, vegan option

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/healthy-lower-cortisol-summer-foods-bowl-easy-stress-relief-recipe/