Healthy Weekend: Organic Bowl

 

It was a cold cloudy day but the light streamed through the tall windows of Untamed Kitchen in Omaha, casting a winter glow on the fresh bright restaurant. Marshall, still buzzing from his surprisingly enjoyable yoga session, inhaled the heady aroma of turmeric and roasted vegetables – a stark contrast to the stale gym air he'd just escaped.

His stomach, having contorted itself into various pretzel-like shapes during Tree Pose and Warrior Two, was now rumbling like a hungry bear. He scanned the menu board, its chalked lettering boasting of "superfood bowls" and "guilt-free smoothies." He felt a small pang of guilt for the iced coffee he'd devoured pre-yoga.

"Welcome to Untamed!" chirped a barista, her smile as vibrant as the smoothie she was blending. "First time?"

Marshall sheepishly admitted he was a yoga convert seeking sustenance, and the barista's grin widened. "The Harvest Bowl is a favorite among yogis; pure fuel for your inner warrior."

Sold. Marshall perched on a stool at the counter, anticipation growing with each rhythmic thump of the blender. When the bowl arrived, it was a riot of colors – the deep purple of the acai, the emerald green of the kale, the sunshine yellow of the mango. He dug in, the first spoonful a burst of tart sweetness, followed by the earthy bite of the kale and the satisfying crunch of the chia seeds. The almond butter, creamy and rich, brought it all together, a luxurious counterpoint to the healthy fare.

Each bite felt like a mini-celebration, a reward for facing his yoga fears and emerging (mostly) unscathed. He savored the dance of textures on his tongue, the way the cold acai played against the warm almond butter, the juicy mango a refreshing oasis in the earthy landscape of the kale. It wasn't just food; it was an experience, a symphony of flavors and textures orchestrated by Mother Nature herself.

As he polished off the last chia seed, a sense of accomplishment washed over him. He'd conquered yoga, he'd conquered this healthy (and surprisingly delicious) bowl, and he felt pretty darn good about himself. Maybe his friends were onto something with this whole healthy-eating business. Maybe, just maybe, he could even make friends with kale.

Leaving Untamed Kitchen, he felt lighter than air, both physically and mentally. The sun, which had been shy earlier, now beamed down in approval. He took a deep breath, the crisp air filling his lungs, and stretched his arms towards the sky. Today, he was a warrior. A slightly wobbly, pretzel-challenged warrior, but a warrior nonetheless. And he was fueled by kale. Who knew what adventures awaited him, armed with his yoga mat and a dragon bowl in his belly?

Click here to read about the next part of Marshall's healthy weekend.

This is a fictional story inspired by where you can wear this men's style.

Model: Marshall (he/him/his) @marshall_531

Photos: Alan Rust (he/him/his) @alanrrust

He is wearing a jacket, pink performance tee and joggers from CRZ on Amazon.