The Ultimate Smoothie Bowl Guide
SMOOTHIE BOWLS ARE THE NEW CEREAL.
Ya, I said it.
Cereal is out, guys.
Firstly, unless you are making your own, they tend to be over processed and often super high carb, and super filled with garb. Though there are for sure healthier alternatives, they tend to be ultra pricey and it can be a challenge to pick a truly healthy one amongst all the "health washing".
Besides, nutritionally, we can do better than starting our day with a big bowl of processed grains
(because, like who has ever actually can just eat a little bowl, right?)
Smoothie bowls are IN!
These delicious little numbers are quick- FRESH and so, so darn yummy to eat.
Like any smoothie, the variations are endless, and there is just simply something to say about starting your day with something so colorful and SO nutrient dense. Besides being beautiful, they are made of pure whole foods, baby!
I like to keep the bases really basic and easy by whipping up a quick smoothie with 1 cup of some sort of liquid, some sort of flavour element (like fruit) and if needed- something to thicken it up a bit (like a bit of chia). The addition of some protein powder is a great way to balance out your macros and turn this into a really satisfying meal.
By keeping the base really basic, it gives you more wiggle room to be more excessive with toppings, which I'm into. The toppings increase the crunch, chunk and flavor factor to your smoothie bowl-- which in my opinion is the best part! If your bowl is lacking on the toppings, then it's basically just a smoothie and then what's the point in eating it with a spoon-- you know?
Flavor wise, there are so many ways you could take this! From chocolatey and nut buttery to green, detoxy and pineappley, the list is only as big as your imagination.
The recipe guide below aims to not only inspire you but to also give you a framework for creating a balanced smoothie bowl that will help support your health goals!
Make sure you share your delicious creations on instagram! (@simplynourished) and hashtag your post #simplynourishedsmoothiebowl!
THE ULTIMATE
SMOOTHIE BOWL RECIPE GUIDE
1. Whip up your base. Start by choosing 1 cup of any of the following:
- coconut water
- coconut milk
- water
- nut milk
- cooled herbal tea
- cooled organic coffee
- water with some aloe vera juice
- organic kefir
2. Add some flavor (these can be combined according to whatever flavor profile you are trying to build):
- 1/2 cup of fruit of your choice
- 1 handful of greens (or a greens powder)
- cacao powder
- turmeric powder
- ginger (fresh or dried)
- cinnamon
- maca powder
- coffee
- Matcha Ninja matcha
3. Pick a thickener to add to your base (optional):
- 1 tbsp coconut yogurt
- 1/4 an avocado
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp nut butter
- a scoop of protein powder
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 cooked beet (will give you the prettiest pink color)**
- 1/2 a frozen banana**
- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree**
- 1/2 a pear**
(** also double as a good flavor addition)
Blend your base liquid, flavor and thickening elements together.
4. Pick your toppings! Here are some fun examples:
- sliced fruit of your choice
- berries
- pomegranate seeds
- coconut flakes or chips
- chia seeds
- hemp hearts
- pumpkin seeds
- sunflower seeds
- chopped nuts of your choice
- cacao nibs
- goji berries
- golden berries
- a dollop of nut butter
- a dollop of coconut cream
- a drizzle of honey
- a drizzle of maple syrup
- cinnamon or other spices
- a handful of trail mix
- a sprinkle of granola
Pour your smoothie into a bowl and sprinkle with toppings of your choice.
Voila! So easy, and so packed with nourishing whole foods.
SIDE NOTE: Just make sure you always have a nice mix of protein and fats to go along with your carbohydrates (aka fruits). I do notice many smoothie bowl recipes tend to be very FRUIT focused- which is great, you just want to make sure things are balanced so it stays health and hormone supportive.. especially if you eat them often like me! :)
Quick Tip: Make a giant base smoothie earlier in the week and you can use it over the next few mornings to make this process extra fast!
I hope this guide transforms your summer breakfasts! Can't wait to see your pics! xo