Love ice-cream and frozen yogurt but not the results of eating them?

You have new choices…

Whip up a Smoothie Bowl

Smoothie bowls are fast becoming the “go to” and perfect replacement for ice-cream or frozen yogurt.

Just like ice-cream, smoothie bowls are creamy and cold and thick enough to eat with a spoon. But, there’s a huge difference between ice-cream and smoothie bowls…nutrition.

Smoothie bowls offer the bonus of nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and super foods. They are perfect for a quick healthy breakfast when you just don’t have time to stop and sit or for anytime you are on the go and need lots of energy but don’t have time to fuzz with multiple meals.

Smoothie bowls take the “smoothie” to new level of health by way of leafy greens, quality protein, healthy fats and good carbs (from vegetables), creamy avocado, tropical fruits, oats, seeds, coconut products and nuts.

Benefits you receive from Smoothie Bowls:

Jumpstarts your energy with a huge boost so you automatically want to get moving and become more active.

Reduces hunger and helps eliminate hunger pangs which in turn helps you stick to healthy eating.

Improves health due to all the nutrients being absorbed.

Detoxes your system from processed dead foods

Saves valuable time in prep and eating healthy

Helps with weight-loss by filling you up so you avoid junk food cravings.

Great way to get the young ones eating veggies they may not like by themselves.

All you need to make these nutrient dense delicious and healthy ice-cream alternatives is a good strong blender and 4-5 minutes to whip it up.

A basic Thick Smoothie Bowl contains approximately 400-500 calories…which for most people is an entire meal’s worth. But the good thing is you control what goes into those 4 or 500 calories. You can even reduce the calories by switching out ingredients or add more if you are looking for something more filling.

Since Smoothie Bowls are extra thick they are eaten in a bowl and not a glass like traditional smoothies. This adds another level of fun as you can add they have lots of surface area to add some fun favorite ingredients to such as fruits, nuts, homemade granolas and other fun healthy toppings.

Here’s the basic formula for making Smoothie Bowls:

1. Liquid – water/milk/juice
2. Greens – spinach, Kale or Swiss chard are perfect choices or Green powders
3. Fillers – oats, coconut
4. Seeds or nuts –any unsalted seeds or nuts
5. Fruits – any fruits will work but frozen is best or you can opt for fruit powder
6. Protein – any good quality protein powder

For a complete meal smoothie use:

Greens + Healthy fats + Carbohydrates + Protein.

Add optional superfoods:

Greens and other vegetables: Kale, spinach, Swiss chard, romaine, celery, mustard greens, dandelion greens, cucumber, wheatgrass, herbs such as mint, cilantro, parsley and basil etc.

Fruit: bananas, apples, pears, kiwi, pineapple, peaches, mango, raspberries, blueberries, papaya, lemons, ines, grapefruit, orange, blood orange, figs, dates, plum acai etc.

Proteins: plant-based protein powders, brown rice, pea, Sunwarrior, Vega, Whey protein powder (grass fed is best), hemp seeds, Chia seeds or nut butters.

Healthy Fats: Chia seeds, avocados, coconut oil, nut butters, hemp seeds, nuts/seeds

Sweetener if needed: dates, raisins, maple syrup, coconut or Palm sugar, stevia, honey

Superfoods (optional): bee pollen, maca powder, lucuma, cocoa nibs, Spirulina, chlorella, cinnamon, cayenne, young coconut meat, unsweetened shredded coconut, coconut water, avocado, Chia seeds, hemp seeds, matcha green tea powder, nut milks, sprouted buckwheat groats, raw gluten free oats etc.

Add all your favorite ingredients to your high-speed blender, blend everything together, transfer to a bowl and add your favorite toppings. If you want it thicker, add more ice to thick (or use less liquid), if you prefer it slightly thinner in consistency then add more liquid to thin.

The important thing is that you just do it! Your body and your family will thank you for it.

For more delicious veggie based dessert and treat recipes visit: “Blended Bites” You’ll be surprised what you can do with veggies.