Creamy, Crunchy Smoothie Bowl
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Breakfast is a challenge for most of us. I hear it time & time again!
The struggle is real.
I get it. Mornings are busy & there's LOTS to do!
Default actions include:
Skipping until you hit starvation
Eating the same thing over & over... & over again
Grabbing something fast & convenient (usually unhealthy)
Munching on a bar to get your through
Guilty? Read on.
Personally, I LOVE my morning porridge (recipe coming soon) & could eat it every day. I know I'm weird, but it's my comfort food & (slight) morning addiction!
As mentioned in previous posts, VARIETY is important for a healthy gut!
Even if you have a great morning routine (like me with my nutrient-dense porridge), eating the same thing day after day does NOT support a healthy microbiome! Make sure you switch it up and rotate. Variety is important!
And remember, breakfast is an incredibly important meal & in many ways physiologically sets the tone for how your entire day unfolds.
Soooo....I know I'm late to the party with smoothie bowls, but how FUN are they??
We were in San Diego a few weeks ago & visited Choice Juicery. What an amazing place! One of my new faves.
Yesss!! So this was my first, ever smoothie bowl! I had ordered the kids a nutrient-dense smoothie as a healthy treat & she asked me, "would you like that in a bowl or as a smoothie?"
Aaaaaaahhhhh! [cue uplifting opera music]
Whaaaat? A bowl?!
And so began my love for smoothie bowls.
So, what makes these different than a traditional smoothie you ask?
Personally, I love the texture - it's thicker (almost like a soft-serve), & I love the topping options which make for a satisfying crunch or other lovely variation. Drinking is nice, but when I don't chew, something is lacking, you know? They're also quite filling with with soooo many creative options available.
Yay variety!!
And who says they're only for breakfast? They make a wonderful anytime healthy treat!
Once you've got the general outline down, go bonkers!
Creamy Crunchy Smoothie bowl
(1 serving)
Ingredients:
1/2-1 frozen, over-ripe banana, sliced
1 tablespoon MCT oil
Dash of cinnamon
Dash of nutmeg
1 serving - protein powder of choice or 10-20 grams collagen powder
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon cacao powder (or more if you want it extra chocolatey; or leave out and add a splash of vanilla extract)
2-4 tablespoons nut milk of choice.
1-2 dates (optional, if your banana is not very sweet)
6 macadamia nuts (soaked in water for approx 10 minutes to soften) - optional
1/2 to 1 cup spinach - optional - you won't even taste it!
Topping options:
nuts (pecans, almonds, cashews, pistachios)
sunflower or pumpkin seeds
coconut flakes
granola
fresh or dried fruit
cacao nibs
nut butter drizzle
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until mixed. Add just enough nut milk to blend as you want this to be a thicker consistency - like soft serve.
Place in a bowl and add nutrient dense toppings of choice.
Tips I've learned:
I made such a small serving, the blender was too large and initially it just didn't come out right. I had to add enough liquid to blend and ended up with a smoothie - lol! If you're making a large serving to share, a blender works. For single servings, our Ninja food processor/blender works perfectly!
You might have to blend a bit, scrape down the sides, then blend a bit more until all is mixed and you have the right consistency.
The options are truly endless with this, so have fun! I keep banana as my creamy base, and have added in almond butter or other frozen fruit like passion fruit, acai.
Always incorporate a healthy fat, protein, phytonutrients (veggies/fruit)!
Such a great way to begin your day!
ENJOY!!
With much love ️❤️,
Dr. Narayan
