Smoothie Bowl Supreme: The Next Frontier

Welcome back Wellness Fam!

We all choose to drink smoothies for various reasons(whether we be short on time in the morning, weight gain/loss, or to enhance their overall health). Since I am constantly on the go, I got into the art of creating my own protein shakes/smoothies to live a healthier lifestyle, save money, and reap the benefits I'd see in my fitness.  Now I know I am somewhat late to the game, however, as I was browsing through different health-related topics online I stumbled across something both beautiful and delicious at the same time! Smoothie bowls are without a doubt the next frontier, and in this DIY blog post, I intend to walk you through exactly how you can indulge in your own culinary creation! 

Smoothie Bowl?)

A smoothie bowl is exactly what it sounds like, its a very thick smoothie which you would eat out of a bowl with a spoon. Great to cool you off during the long hot days of summers or if you are just searching for a healthy midnight snack. From the outside looking in, creating one of these masterpieces may seem a bit daunting, especially if cooking isn't exactly your forte. Hell when I first cracked open the recipe book to my Nutribullet, I felt a little apprehension as well. The first thought which came to mind was "man this looks great but, it also looks expensive to make and time-consuming." Truth be told I was dead wrong! Smoothie bowls can serve a wide variety of purposes and most recipe's take ten minutes tops. Depending on what your dietary/fitness related goals are, you can tailor any smoothie bowl to your liking. Also for the amount of money you can save buying one, you can just DIY in the comforts of your own kitchen! 

What Can You Put In A Smoothie Bowl?)

Smoothie bowls are a slightly different beast from their portable cousins. Most noticeably in the texture department, their viscous consistency is on par with frozen yogurt, which is what you want. According to Hannah White Oak(https://www.caredash.com/articles/the-health-benefits-of-smoothie-bowls), "A balanced smoothie bowl includes the following components, which create the perfect consistency and provide a good balance of nutrients:

• Greens (such as kale or spinach)
• Fruits (such as berries, bananas, apples or pears)
• Proteins (such as milk, whey protein, or nut butters)
• Healthy fats (such as avocados, nuts or seeds)

You can also add crushed ice to create a refreshingly cool smoothie that's perfect for a hot day, or try fresh, frozen berries or bananas instead."

Color-Coded Health?)

Now, this may sound a bit cliché, however, the health benefits for any smoothie totally depends on the color of what fruits/veggies go inside. For example, if you are looking to create a smoothie because you want to reduce inflammation throughout your system, a (yellow smoothie) is the way to go.  Looking to reduce oxidative stress in your body post workout (red, blue, or purple) smoothies are just what the doctor ordered. Looking to avoid a trip to the doctor in general and boost your immunity at the same time? A (Green/Orange) smoothie a day will keep your immune system in check and the doctor at bay. Just like a portable shake you can use it either as a meal replacement for weight loss or pair it as an appetizer on date night.

Healthy Alternative)

Although it is slightly lighter, the cold creamy texture of this semi-solid smoothie may fool even the pickiest adults/kids into thinking they are eating ice cream! This is great news for those who struggle to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into their diets. Smoothie bowls are quite versatile and are a tasty healthy alternative if you are looking to cut back on sugar. Feel free to check out this bomb Cherry Berry Smoothie Ice Cream Bowl below.

                                           

DIY) Acai Cherry Blast Bowl 

This smoothie bowl that you can DIY in your kitchen is my new go-to pre/post workout meal.  Great for neutralizing free radicals and curbing oxidative stress, this mix will bring a smile to your face.  

Ingredients List: Thawed Acai Berry puree, 1 Cup Of Dark Frozen Cherry's, 1 Chilled Banana & 1/2 Cup of Almond  Milk (Cashew, Hemp Milk, or Coconut Milk)

Toppings Ingredients: Cacao Nibs, Shredded Coconut, Chia Seeds, & Granola 

Step 2) Load All Ingredients Into The Bullet 

                                   

Step 3) Pour Into Bowl and Garnish Your Toppings On The Surface 

When garnishing the toppings, tap into your inner chef and freestyle away.  The beauty of the smoothie bowl is there is no right or wrong way to customize it.  Some people prefer linear lines while others prefer their toppings spread in a random pattern. Coconut, chia, and cacao nibs each have their own health benefits that will aid your body in healing, but those are topics for another day. The contrast between sweetness and tart will leave you feeling satiated and energized!  

Step 4) Chow Down 

Pair this smoothie bowl with a breakfast Quesada and you are well on your way to seeing the gains that you have been searching for! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to list them below, in the comment section.  Lastly, enjoy this plant-based option for any occasion that may arise!

Sources:)

https://www.caredash.com/articles/the-health-benefits-of-smoothie-bowls