After a holiday season full of indulgences, we’re all ready for a fresh start. New Year, New You.

It’s really the perfect time to renew the commitment to taking care of yourself with more fresh, whole-food plant-based meals.

Let this Easy Buddha Bowl get you started on the path.

Start by placing a bed of fresh colorful salad greens, like red romaine, baby spinach, baby kale, or radicchio, at the bottom of the bowl. Over that, add as many raw and/or steamed vegetables as you like. A variety of textures and flavors (crunchy, crisp, soft, bitter, etc.) makes every bite more interesting.

Beans help us stay satisfied all afternoon, so consider adding a serving of black beans, chickpeas, lentils, hummus, edamame, baked tofu, or tempeh. Whole grains and starchy vegetables give us energy, and make meals more comforting and calming. There are no rules, so let your creativity shine. Try adding brown rice, barley, or quinoa to your bowl – or perhaps butternut squash, corn, or sweet potatoes.

Garnish with fresh herbs for extra flavor, or top with dried fruit, olives, diced dill pickles, raw nuts, or seeds. Dress with flavored vinegar, salsa, hot sauce, or fresh-squeezed citrus juice.

Prepping a few ingredients ahead can make lunchtime really easy. Over the weekend, cook one or two whole grains or starchy vegetables for the upcoming week. You can even wash and chop salad greens and other vegetables the night before, and reserve them for the next day.

When it’s time to enjoy your creation, simply assemble. Then take a deep breath, and savor every bite. It’s your moment to nourish, refresh, and refuel both body and soul, with pure, wholesome goodness.