A happy marriage of fruit n’ veg smoothies and breakfast cereals, smoothie bowls offer numerous health benefits, including vitamins, protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
A smoothie bowl base usually contains such green vegetables as kale or spinach, as well as frozen berries. Other ingredients found in a smoothie bowl add protein and healthy fats — soy milk, nuts, avocado, and banana. Because smoothie bowls can contain virtually anything yummy and nutritious, they’re always exciting and unique.
Common smoothie bowl ingredients
In most smoothie bowls you’ll find these foods:
- Vegetables (kale, spinach, celery, cucumber, arugula, carrots, etc.)
- Fruit (bananas, apples, pineapples, cherries, mangoes, oranges, blueberries, raspberries, figs, dates, plums, peaches, kiwis, etc.)
- Protein (soy milk, chia seeds, nut
butters , tofu, yogurt, protein powders, etc.) - Fats (avocado, coconut oil, hemp seed, almonds, cashews, etc.)
- Superfoods (cocoa nibs, spirulina, shredded coconut, oats, maca powder, bee pollen, etc.)
- Ice
- Liquid (cow’s milk, coconut milk, nut
milks , soy milk, grainmilks , coconut water, water, juice, etc.) - Sweetener (stevia, agave syrup, raw honey, etc.)
If this seems overwhelming, never fear! Here are some unique and healthy DIY smoothie bowl recipes that are sure to leave you feeling satisfied in the morning.
1. Açai Berry Smoothie Bowl
Time: 10 minutes
This smoothie bowl is
Ingredients
- 1 packet frozen açai berry pulp
- 2 handfuls of kale
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons pre-soaked chia seeds
- Dash of cinnamon
- Ice
Directions
Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until thick and creamy. Spoon the mixture into a bowl and eat.
2. Mango Strawberry Smoothie Bowl
Time: 10 minutes
This smoothie contains really brings the protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 1 cup frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen raspberries
- 1 scoop vegan protein powder
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup avocado
- Chia seeds
Directions
Mix everything in a blender and blend until thick. Then spoon mixture into a bowl and serve.
3. Berry Coconut Smoothie Bowl
Time: 10 minutes
This bowl is
Ingredients
- 1 cup mixed berries
- 1 ripe banana
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup filtered water
- 2 teaspoons chia seeds
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Directions
Place the berries, banana, coconut milk, lemon, and water in a blender and blend until smooth. Then spoon into a bowl and top with chia and sesame seeds as well as berries.
4. Berry Crunch Smoothie Bowl
Time: 10 minutes
This smoothie bowl contains healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Best of all, its 100% vegan.
Ingredients
- 1 cup kale
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 2 cups mixed frozen berries
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 teaspoons agave syrup
Toppings
- 1/2 cup blueberries
- Sliced strawberries
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- A few tablespoons chopped almonds
- Coconut
shavings - Granola
- Oats
- Raisins
Directions
Add the kale, chia seeds and milk in a blender and process until smooth. Add the frozen fruit and pour smoothie mixture into a bowl. Top with suggested toppings.
5. Chocolate Hazelnut Smoothie Bowl
Time: 10 minutes
This smoothie bowl is packed with antioxidants, protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to fill you up and keep you full.
Ingredients
- 2 frozen bananas
- 1/2 cup soaked hazelnuts
- 2 tablespoons protein powder
- 2 tablespoons raw cacao powder
- 1 cup hazelnut milk
- 4 large pitted dates
Toppings
- 1 small banana, sliced
- Chopped hazelnuts
- Cacao
nibs - Hemp seeds
Directions
Blend all ingredients except the toppings in a blender and then add to a bowl. Top with the topping of your choice.
6. Green Smoothie Bowl
Time: 10 minutes
This smoothie bowl takes your greens to the next level. It contains superfoods in addition to healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants.
Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup almond milk
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 2 handfuls kale
- 1 teaspoon spirulina
Toppings
- Granola
- Goji berries
- Cacao
nibs - Bee pollen
- Almond butter
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh berries
- Chia seeds
- Mixed
seeds
Directions
Blend all ingredients in your smoothie, place in a bowl, and top with the suggested toppings.
Get bowl-ed over
You can also get inspired by these recipes. Remember that smoothie bowls are usually one to two parts greens, one part fruit, one part protein, one part healthy fat, superfoods, ice, and liquid with added toppings of your choice.
References
- “5 Smoothie Bowls That Will Brighten Up Your Morning,” RealSimple, April 25, 2016.
- “8 Smoothie Bowls Better Than Ice Cream,” Fitness, March 2, 2015.
- “9 Healthy Smoothie Bowl Recipes You’ll Want to Dive Into,” Greatist, February 18, 2016.
- “11 Breakfast Smoothie Bowls That Will Make You Feel Amazing,” BuzzFeed, August 25. 2015.
