Are you a smoothie and smoothie bowl lover like me?? I adore them – as you can probably tell from oodles of amazing smoothie bowl recipes I’ve posted over the years.
They are amazing creations, creamy, flavorful and they make the perfect vehicle for all the superfood add-ins and most delicious toppings.
This smoothie bowl makes a perfect breakfast or healthy snack and tastes and looks amazing, but it’s actually a filling, superfood-packed breakfast that comes together in just 5 minutes!
Made with banana, yogurt and almond milk – it tastes like ice cream and is an easy and simple way to add powerful health benefits to your everyday diet. I love everything about this smoothie bowl: the ingredients, the ice-cream taste, the texture 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 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.
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!
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, supercharges your metabolism, 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.
Chocolate Peanut Butter Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 banana, sliced, frozen
- 1/4-1/2 cup almond milk, or milk of choice
- 1/2 cup thick, Greek-style yogurt
- 1 tablespoon peanut (or any other nut) butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 scoop protein or collagen powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings Optional
- Dollop of whipped coconut cream – recipe below in notes
- Chopped nuts
- Fresh fruit or berries
- Seeds – hemp, chia, sunflower
- Granola
Instructions
- Add all ingredients (except toppings) into a blender or food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Pour into a serving bowl, add your favourite toppings and serve.Will keep in fridge for up to 3 days.
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
