I love everything about this Green Matcha Smoothie Bowl: the ingredients, the ice-cream taste, the texture, the color and the health benefits. And it also looks so pretty!
I usually make this treat for breakfast, or enjoy it in the afternoon, right after my workout. It satisfies my hunger and craving for sweet, it is low-cal and it has no added sugar.
You only need a few ingredients and 5 minutes to make a healthy smoothie bowl packed with protein, healthy fat, and carbs. While this smoothie bowl is good as is, it’s even better with toppings. And with adding the right toppings, you can make a super healthy balanced meal.
Now in this smoothie bowl we have the superstar matcha – powdered goodness that is a metabolism boosting, fat burning superfood and powerful antioxidant. Matcha is reported to have the nutritional value of up to 10 cups of regular green tea and up to 137 times more antioxidants than regular green tea.
Matcha literally means “powdered tea.” With matcha green tea, you are drinking the actual leaves, which have been dried and then stone ground into a fine powder and are highly valued for its beautiful sweetness and health benefits which include:
Is packed with antioxidants including the powerful EGCg
Boosts metabolism and burns calories
Detoxifies effectively and naturally
Calms the mind and relaxes the body
Is rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins
Enhances mood and aids in concentration
Provides vitamin C, selenium, chromium, zinc and magnesium
Prevents disease
Lowers cholesterol and blood sugar
This smoothie bowl feels like a decadent treat, but made with good-for-you ingredients and packs in the protein in a delicious and healthy way! It is a most epic smoothie bowl recipe! I mean you can’t go wrong with fruit, green veges, your favorite protein powder and matcha tea.
One of the main struggles I see with my personal training clients is getting in more protein. I get it, protein isn’t always as fun as carbs and fat, but it is essential in our diets.
Protein (amino acids) are the building blocks of cells, tissues, organs, and systems (provide structure and function), are crucial to the production of hormones, helps with digestion, helps with having a good body composition and gaining muscle, and helps keep us full (just to name a few!).
While I think focusing on real whole nutrient-dense foods is the best way to get protein, I love using protein powder for an extra boost. And this smoothie bowl does exactly that!
I’m not sure how I came up with this easy concoction, but I’ve been making it for years. Depending on how much of each ingredient you use, this smoothie bowl can be eaten for breakfast (as a full meal) or as a snack. Heck, I’ve even made a smaller portion of it for dessert! Adjust the quantities to fit your individual needs and goals.
People sometimes question whether a smoothie bowl is healthy. Well, let me tell you, smoothies and smoothie bowls absolutely CAN be a healthy choice – so long as they are what is considered a balanced meal!
The idea of a balanced meal is one that contains – 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, 30% healthy fats. If its unbalanced, such as when you have a high amount of carbohydrates, little protein or healthy fat, it is not so healthy and will spike your blood sugar level for hours.
Balanced meals have a less severe effect on our blood sugar levels so after eating, our hunger hormone leptin decreases, and the appetite-suppressing hormone ghrelin is raised. This allows us to stay full for longer, and get on with our day without searching for a snack every half hour.
Smoothies and bowls that provide a balanced nutrient profile ARE a healthy choice. They will keep you fuller for longer, provide you with a variety of vitamins and minerals to nourish your cells, and maintain steady blood sugar levels to keep you functioning at your very best!
Sometimes people even question the high calorie nature of a smoothie or smoothie bowl.
Ah, the calorie debacle. Let’s clear this one up.
Calories are a measure of energy. Just like centimetres are the measurement units for the length of a table, calories are the measurement units for the energy in the food we eat. But what does this actually mean?
Our bodies are constantly using energy – even when we are laying at rest, the basic metabolic processes in our body need energy to keep functioning. Then, when we are going about our days, working, exercising, even just standing – our need for energy increases.
Food is the fuel for our bodies – so eating provides us with this energy. Keeping in mind the balanced meal idea, it is crucial to understand that different macronutrients (proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) have different caloric values and different effects on our bodies.
Protein and fats will keep you fuller for longer whereas carbohydrates provide a shorter and sharper source of energy. So despite the caloric content, a balanced smoothie bowl should keep you full and satisfied until your next meal!
Also, remember that food has much more value than just energy – it is hydrating, contains essential nutrients, provides you with mental clarity, maintains blood sugar levels, strengthens your bones, reduces out of control food cravings, boosts your immune system, and satisfies your SOUL! So keep in mind:
Calories = energy.
Calories ≠ great health outcomes.
Green Matcha Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 banana, sliced, frozen
- 1 kiwi, sliced, frozen
- 1 cup packed spinach or ½ cup of frozen spinach
- 1 teaspoon matcha powder
- 1/4-1/2 cup milk of choice
- 1 scoop protein or collagen powder
- 2 dates, or more if you like it sweeter
Toppings Optional
- Dollop of whipped coconut cream – recipe below in notes
- Chopped nuts
- Granola
- Hemp or chia seeds
- Fresh fruit or berries
- Drizzle peanut butter
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to the blender.Blend on high until smooth.Pour smoothie into a bowl and add toppings.Serve immediately and enjoy your quick, high-protein snack!Recipe Notes:To achieve the thickest smoothie bowl:Use as many frozen ingredients as possibleUse a high powered blenderUse as little liquid as possible
Notes
If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites