Smoothie Bowls

Photo Credit: Jessica VanDyk

Rethink breakfast with smoothie bowls. 

Think of a fun version of the more traditional smoothie, served in a bowl, and instead of sipping with a straw, the thick texture of a smoothie bowl requires a spoon. In a too rushed world, smoothie bowls make us slow down a bit to enjoy flavourful hearty toppings held up by the dense consistency of a creamy base. 

Toppings like granola and nuts add crunch and texture while providing sustained energy, healthy fats, and protein to keep you full throughout your morning.



To make the base, blend any frozen creamy fruit or try a combination of tropical fruits such as:

• sliced ripe bananas
• dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya (white, red, or yellow)
• mango chunks

Before blending, decide whether you want to add some protein to the base. Healthy choices include (choose one or two):

Photo Credit: Jessica VanDyk

• cacoa nibs or powder
• peanut butter or PB2 (powdered peanut butter)
• protein powder
• greek yogurt
• flax seeds or powder

Adding superfood powders or powdered greens or algae to the base adds energy enhancing, antioxidant rich, immune-boosting benefits. Tasty powders to try include:

• spirulina
• freeze dried dragonfruit
• pomegranate
• acai
• matcha
• maca

Base Note: It is best not to mix red and green or you'll create a brown base. 

Blender Note: Blending frozen fruit requires a blender that is capable of blending ice. Please don't burn out your blender motor; before starting make sure your blender can handle the job. Also, if you have a Vitamix, use your tamper. If you don't have a Vitamix, you may have to stop for a minute or two to let the fruit thaw slightly (only slightly), stir with a spoon, and continue blending. If you feel you must add liquid, do so sparingly or add a bit of yogurt. Only add the minimum amount necessary to blend successfully.

Liquids can include frozen espresso ice cubes that you've made in advance, milk, or unsweetened nut milk or soy milk if you prefer a plant-based version. 

Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Bio Restaurant

Now on to the fun part! If you have kids this is where they can help and get creative. Place a variety of toppings in little bowls so they can choose their own healthy toppings. This not only includes them, but also provides an opportunity to discuss healthy food choices, and allows them to work on decision making skills.

Topping Note: Have the toppings ready in advance so your base doesn't melt. Also, limit your toppings. To create a visually appealing smoothie bowl place your toppings in linear lines leaving some of the base exposed.




Tasty toppings:

• protein granola or other granola 
• unsweetened shredded coconut 
• gogi berries, raisins, dried cranberries, other dried fruit 
• nuts: almond slivers, chopped pistachios, cashews, walnuts, or pecans 
• Hemp hearts, chia or flax seeds, sunflower or pumpkin seeds 
• fruit: mango, papaya, banana, berries, pineapple, kiwi, etc. 

Calories in smoothie bowls can add up, so ensure that you're not just making a fruit-only carbohydrate-rich smoothie bowl. Include some protein choices and add healthy fats, like nuts and seeds.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Bio Restaurant

If you don't have a blender or want to try a non-frozen version of a smoothie bowl, try this rainbow sweet potato breakfast bowl. 

My daughter and I fell in love with smoothie bowls at Bio Restaurant, Hotel Xcaret, Mexico. I hope after trying one, that you will love them too!

Show off your smoothie bowls! Post on social media and tag me #lauraholisticnutrition. I would love to see your creations. Follow on Facebook and Instagram @laura.holisticnutrition.

Comment below if you have any yummy suggestions or questions. I would love to hear from you.