"Beautiful explosion of flavor and texture!"
For years I have seen internet blogs filled with photos and recipes of magnificent and exotic smoothie bowls. As a chef I have admired and even salivated over these visual masterpieces, but often wondered are they really as good as they look?
Although late to the party, I must say they are really as good as they look! For me it’s all about the celebration of textures and flavors it brings to my mouth. Crunchy…creamy… nutty…cool! Whether it’s for a healthy breakfast or a fun snack, a smoothie bowl can be delicious, nutritious and easy to make. You will hear me say this more than once because I get very excited when something checks all three boxes.
However, it is important to be mindful of what you are putting in your smoothie, whether it’s for a bowl or to drink. It is easy to overdo it and put too many caloric items in your smoothie and then you are wondering at the end of the week “Why am I packing on the pounds, I’m eating healthy?” One area where we can go wrong is by adding too many ingredients that give smoothies that creaminess we love. Also consider not using a sweetening agent like agave, honey or maple syrup, even if its natural. Sometimes a ripe banana has all the sweetness you need. Get your taste buds used to eating fruit without extra added sugars. Here are a few tips to keep your smoothie bowl healthy without sacrificing taste:
· For your liquids read the label, you would be surprised at how much sugar is hidden in things like juice or even coconut water.
· Prevent your smoothie from getting watery by using frozen fruit and not using ice.
· Use ½ a banana instead of a whole one
· Use less avocado or yogurt
· If using granola read your labels and choose one with less sugar or make your own.
· Use more seeds than nuts
· Use low glycemic fruits
· Use in season ripe fruit to add maximum flavor and eliminate the need for sweeteners
Anatomy of a Smoothie Bowl
Liquid
Coconut Water
Plant Based Milk
Milk
Juice
Make it Creamy
1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
1/2 Frozen Banana
1/4 Avocado
Blend With
Frozen Fruit
Nut Butter
Greens
Protein Powder
Super Food Powder
Toppings
Granola
Coconut Flakes
Diced Fruit
Seeds & Nuts
Cocoa Nibs
Berries
Sliced Bananas
Goji Berries
There is no shortage of smoothie bowl recipes out there. With the information from here and your own taste buds I know you will be able to find one that will excite you. Perhaps you will invent your own. Here are a few of my favorite combinations:
Tropical Papaya
Raspberry Almond
Chocolate-Peanut Butter
Blueberry Lemon
Dragon Fruit-Acai
Strawberries and Cream
Peach and Blackberry
Super Greens
Coconut Cream w/ Rainbow fruit