Chocolate Caramel Smoothie Bowl
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, zesty 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, this recipe is for you. 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 caramel smoothie bowl takes just minutes to whip together, making it perfect for any time of the day really! Simply combine frozen fruit with a splash of milk in your blender and blend until smooth. Top with delicious homemade coconut caramel sauce (recipe below in notes) whatever fruits or nuts or even granola – then grab your spoon and get ready for a bowl of delightfully refreshing goodness! Not only that but its packed full of vitamins and minerals which will give you the energy!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 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 ≠ greathealth outcomes.
Servings 1
Ingredients
- 1 banana, sliced, frozen
- 1/3 cup milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder
- 1 tablespoon peanut (or any nut or seed) butter
- 1 scoop protein powder of choice (optional but adds more protein)
Toppings
- Coconut Caramel Sauce – store bought or recipe below in notes
- Granola
- Banana slices
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into blender and blend until smooth.Serve in a bowl with a drizzle of homemade coconut caramel sauce and toppings of choice.
Notes
Transform your smoothie bowl and up the level of nutrition and deliciousness with this homemade caramel sauce. Go here for the recipe: Coconut Caramel Sauce
A thick, luxurious coconut caramel sauce - all you need is a can of coconut milk or cream and a few wholesome pantry staples. Sweet and gooey, just like it should be yet way healthier than anything store bought that is likely to be packed with refined sugar, corn syrup and heaven knows what other unhealthy ingredients.
Its so easy to make your own silky smooth, healthy caramel sauce with just 5 ingredients: cooked in one pot until thickened to desired consistency
Easy, creamy, and healthier - made with all-natural ingredients and goes with everything you pour it over! It’s truly a magical thing. You will never want store-bought again.
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
