Get Creative and Healthy with Smoothie Bowls

Find more smoothie inspiration here.

It is well-known that people who eat breakfast are all around more healthy and energized. Smoothie bowls – a recent trend on social media – make a compelling case for taking time for the most important meal of the day thanks to their bright colors and beautifully arranged toppings.

Why eat a smoothie in a bowl? Beyond their Instagram-worthy attributes, the thicker consistency of smoothie bowls provide a more substantial and nutrient-rich meal. Blending superfoods (frozen bananas, avocado, flaxseed meal, nut butters and greek yogurt) lends extra texture and immunity-boosting benefits to the smoothie base. Smoothie bowls also allow for experimentation with other nutrient-packed edibles, such as goji berries, pepitas, cacao nibs and more.

Smoothie bowls can easily be prepared the ahead of time in anticipation of chaotic mornings: blend and refrigerate the base, and store toppings in plastic containers or mason jars.

As aesthetically-pleasing as they are, be mindful of the nutritional content of add-ins. Getting overzealous with toppings can easily add calories and sugars to smoothie bowls. Keep the granola, dried fruit and honey to a minimum.

Here are two smoothie bowl recipes to add a touch of creativity, inspiration and tranquility to your morning. 

See also Rainforest Acai Breakfast Jars.

Green Coconut Smoothie Bowl

Serves: 2

• 2 frozen bananas
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1/2 avocado
• 2 handfuls spinach
• 1 handful kale
• 1 tbsp flax meal
• 1 tbsp almond butter
• 1/2 cup coconut water

Toppings (about a tablespoon of each)

• Fresh strawberries
• Granola
• Cacoa nibs
• Coconut flakes
• Goji berries

Nutrients per serving (379 g): Calories: 314, total fat: 15g, sat. fat: 2g, polyunsaturated fat: 0g, carbs: 46g, fiber: 11g, sugars: 20g, protein: 7g, sodium: 109mg, cholesterol: 0mg

Vanilla Berry Smoothie Bowl

Serves: 2

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 2 medjool dates
• 1/2 cup non-dairy milk
• 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

Toppings

• Granola
• Hemp seeds
• Chia seeds
• Pepitas
• Fresh blueberries

Nutrients per serving (272g): Calories: 261.5, total fat: 4g, sat. fat: 1.5g, polyunsaturated fat: 0g, carbs: 46g, fiber: 5.5g, sugars: 34.5g, protein: 15g, sodium: 122.5mg, cholesterol: 5mg

 Smoothie Bowl Directions

1. Add all smoothie ingredients to blender and mix until thick and creamy. If too thick, add more ice or liquid.
2. Now for the fun part–adding the toppings! Pour the smoothie base into a bowl and get creative in designing the toppings. Be sure to admire your masterpiece before digging in.