Typically, each bowl is comprised of 5 main ingredients:

• Protein
• Vegetables
• Whole grains
• A Dressing
• "Sprinkles," such as nuts, seeds, herbs or sprouts

Thai or Buddha bowls are very healthy since they include fresh, whole ingredients in healthy proportions.

There have been many explanations offered for the concept behind the Buddha bowl. The best, perhaps, is that it represents a balanced meal and balance is among the most important concepts in Buddhism.

An alternative idea is that it represents the way that Buddha himself ate. He would wake up early in the morning, take a bowl with him, and walk through his village. Villagers would give him bits of food as offerings as he passed, and when his walk was complete, he would eat what food he had collected.

In this way, his diet varied, was probably always healthy, and he was always thankful for everything he received.

Regardless of whether your protein is animal-based or vegetarian, women should aim for a 3oz serving, while men should aim for a 6oz serving. ⅓ cup of healthy grain such as quinoa and ½ cup of a starchy vegetable such as squash, corn, or beans is appropriate. Greens and non-starchy vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, and cucumber can add a ton of crunch and flavor to your bowl without adding many calories.

Thai and Buddha bowls are fully customizable and can be eaten warm or cold!

Rice bowls can be part of an effective weight loss strategy. This study found that over 12 weeks, the participants who ate rice bowls saw a 5.1% reduction in body weight.

Like rice bowls, protein bowls can be an effective weight loss tool when employed properly. Bowls high in protein and fiber while low in carbohydrates are best for weight loss.

Since poke bowls, like Thai and Buddha bowls, are highly customizable, they can be as healthy or unhealthy as the ingredients you use to make them. For maximum health benefits, consider substituting white rice for a more nutrient- and fiber-dense option such as brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.

You should also go easy on the condiments like soy sauce and sesame oil, which can be high in calories and sodium. Ingredients like coconut milk, raw or roasted veggies, and grilled chicken can keep your poke on the healthy side.

People with diabetes need to closely monitor their carbohydrates, so dishes which are based on a high-carb food like rice tend not to be a good choice. However, if modified with a lower-carb option like riced cauliflower, they can still provide a healthy meal option. Buddha bowls, with their range of flavors and heat, can certainly provide delicious flavors to anyone adventurous enough to try one.

This is a multilayered question with many answers. Thai Buddha bowls offer a wide selection of customizable options to delight your palate. They also provide a beautiful balance of flavors and nutrition in one meal.

The popularity, however, really began online via social media. People began to blog about and post pictures and links on Pinterest about their favorite Buddha bowl recipes and styles and the craze was born. Today, it's up to you whether you like a simple bowl with fresh vegetables, rice noodles, and red curry, or something more complex.