Smoothie bowls are very trendy at the moment. Sometimes I wake up and need a chocolate fix in the morning and instead of reaching for the chocolate spread, my solution is this beauty. No straw required, a smoothie bowl is enjoyed with a spoon, like a sweet soup with plenty of tasty and crunchy toppings. A mix made in heaven banana, yogurt, peanut butter and cocoa come together beautifully and make a delicious breakfast any morning of the week, in a blink of an eye.

If you are looking for a healthy breakfast that not only tastes great but is also guaranteed to keep you full and happy for hours, this recipe is it! Ready in just 5 minutes, this smoothie bowl is perfect for any time of day. Its packed with antioxidants, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a super yummy, easy, boost to your day!

Smoothie bowls are similar to smoothies but tend to be thicker, so they are ‘eaten’ rather than drunk. If you love smoothie bowls like I do, you will love this beauty. Waking up in the morning is always better with a delicious breakfast. But why settle for the same old cereal when you can make something a bit special? This chocolate smoothie bowl takes just minutes to whip together, making it perfect for any time of the day really!

People sometimes question whether a smoothie bowl is healthy. Well, let me tell you, smoothie 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 like this one will 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.

A reader review: “I love having this smoothie bowl for breakfast. It’s healthy, satisfying, and keeps me full all morning. I love that it tastes like dessert but it’s actually good for me”.

Chocolate Yogurt Protein Smoothie Bowl

Rich, creamy and chocolatey, this smoothie bowl recipe is delicious for breakfast or dessert! Sweetened with dates and banana, its full of chocolatey goodness, but it's super healthy so you can feel good about eating it!

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine Healthy Clean Eating

Keyword chocola;te protein smoothie bowl, chocolate yogurt protein smoothie bowl, clean eating breakfast, healthy breakfast bowl, healthy chocolate smoothie bowl, healthy smoothie bowl

Servings 2

Ingredients

• 1 banana, sliced, frozen
• 1 cup thick Greek-style yogurt, plain or unflavoured
• 1/2 cup coconut (or any) milk
• 2 tablespoons peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 2-3 dates
• 1 scoop protein or collagen peptides powder
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Topping Suggestions

• Dollop of whipped coconut cream – recipe below in notes
• Fresh fruit or berries
• Chopped nuts
• Coconut shreds
• Seeds like hemp, chia or sunflower
• Drizzle of any nut or seed butter

Instructions

• Make the smoothie bowl by blending all the ingredients in a blender until smooth. Pour into 2 serving bowls and top with your chosen toppings.

Notes

Homemade Whipped Coconut Cream

Add even more nutrition and healthy qualities to many other dishes with nutrient-dense fluffy, whipped coconut cream.

It’s a dairy-free dessert topping that is not overly sweet and made with simple ingredients. This whipped coconut cream is just as thick, luscious, and creamy as dairy-full whipped cream and ideal for topping cakes, tarts, puddings, hot cocoa, and more.

Made with just 3 ingredients in 5 minutes of active time. Be sure to chill the canned coconut cream or milk the day before you need it.

Packed with healthy fats, tons of other good stuff and amazing flavour to help support a healthy, fit body.

Go here for the simple recipe:  Whipped Coconut Cream 

 

Print Recipe

If you are looking for more delicious, healthy, protein-rich, no bake desserts and treats to help you reach your health, wellness and fitness goals, you will love my collection here: Blended Bites