Smoothie bowls (basically, thicker smoothies that you eat in a bowl vs. sipping from a glass!) are one of the easiest things to make, and are a great option for breakfast or snacks. They’re more satisfying than the typical smoothie, so good for those who want a bit of texture, and packed full of nutrients - an amazing way of getting that extra serving of vegetables down picky eaters (children and adults alike!).
General Rule of Thumb
Add a liquid to your blender – Water or nut milk (do this first, to ensure a thick and creamy smoothie)
Next, add vegetables – spinach and kale are my favourites and easily incorporated
Finally, add the frozen fruit and BLEND
Add toppings of your choice - berries, nuts, nut butters, cacao nibs, roasted buckwheat, chia and other seeds
Beware - not all smoothie bowls are equal! Those in cafes are often high in sugar, with lots of hidden sweeteners in the form of honey, maple syrup, concentrated juices and high quantities of banana and pineapple as fillers. Whilst these are not harmful in moderation, such higher-sugar products can spike blood sugar levels and lead to energy crashes, which we want to avoid.
For a balanced bowl, brimming with mood-boosting, energy-promoting and immune-supporting nutrients, alongside protein and essential fatty acids, one of my favourite recipes is my Green Goddess bowl, below. This is a great post-workout meal, or all round go-to option for me (day and night!).
Green Goddess Smoothie Bowl Recipe
For the smoothie base
1 handful Spinach (frozen preferably)
½ medium Avocado
½ whole Lemon (with skin)
1 thumb Ginger Root
½ cup frozen Mango / Pineapple chunks (or berries for a keto-friendly alternative)
1 cup unsweetened Nut Milk
For the toppings
1 tbs Hemp Seeds (hulled)
1 tbs Roasted Buckwheat
1-2 handfuls of Mixed Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
If I’m extra hungry, I’ll also add on 1tbs of Nut Butter (my favourite is Manilife’s Smooth Original)