Craving healthy comfort food? A filling, one-dish meal like this autumn-inspired grain bowl is your answer! Assembly is easy: simply topped baby spinach with warm quinoa, roasted butternut squash and broccoli, and a quick maple-balsamic dressing. For an extra touch of flavor and protein, add a little crumbled feta or goat cheese, if desired.
Ingredients in this grain bowl not only highlight fall flavors, but they also provide a healthy dose of carotenoids. Responsible for the vibrant orange hues in produce, this family of bioactive compounds includes beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Research suggests that regular intake of carotenoids works to reduce oxidative stress in the brain to potentially slow memory loss and cognitive decline as we age. Increase your intake of carotenoid-rich foods by incorporating orange vegetables like carrots and winter squash and dark green vegetables like spinach, kale, and broccoli throughout the week.