Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl

Ever tried an acai bowl before? It’s basically a smoothie bowl, which is a smoothie with a thick enough consistency to be eaten with a spoon. Smoothie bowls can provide a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins an minerals depending on what you add to it. It’s versatile, meaning that you can make it any way you like it. The recipe is good for 1 person if it is eaten as a meal but may be suitable for 2 people as a snack.

The recipe below uses greek yogurt, frozen mixed berries, nuts and chia seeds. I love to use Fage lactose-free greek yogurt because of it’s thick consistency that is perfect for a smoothie bowl. If you choose to use other yogurts you may have to add more frozen fruits to thicken it up. Frozen fruits are ideal for this recipe.

Nutrition

Protein

Simply put this recipe is packed with protein. Since a 3/4 cups of yogurt contains 17 grams of protein, 1 cup has about 23 grams. Note that the amount of protein may vary depending on the product you use. I use Fage yogurt because they have a lactose-free option and it has a nice flavor and consistency. The protein content per serving may be slightly lower in low-fat yogurt compared to full-fat yogurt. You can increase the protein content by adding nuts, nut butters, grains and seeds. Check out the topping ideas below to get inspired.

Carbohydrates

Carbs are not the demon that they are portrayed to be by the diet industry. Carbs are essential to recovery after exercise and they supply us with much needed energy to tackle the day. Fruits and grains are a great source of complex carbs because they contain fiber. Fruits also have vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial for your health.

Topping ideas

• Seeds and grains: granola, puffed rice, chex mix, chia seeds, flax seed meal or flax seed, hemp seeds

• Nuts and nut butters

• Fruits: blueberries, bananas, strawberries, mangos, blackberries, raspberries, dragonfruit, pineapples, pomegranate,

• sweeteners and others: honey, chocolate chips, peanut butter chips

Mixed Berry Smoothie Bowl Recipe

• prep time: 10 minutes
• total time: 10 minutes

Servings: 1-2 people

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cup frozen fruit
• about 1/4 cup water or milk of your choice

Instructions:

1. Place greek yogurt and frozen fruit in a blender. Blend until well incorporated. Add upto 1/4 cup of water or milk of your choice to loosen up the mixture as needed.
2. Transfer the smoothie into a large bowl.
3. Add your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

Variations

• Make it tropical: add mango, papaya, dragonfruit, pineapple
• Replace half of the yogurt with avocado for a thicker consistency
• Add 1/2 cup spinach to add some dark leafy greens - note that if you add berries it won't look as appealing. Spinach is better paired with yellow or orange fruits over red or purple ones.