Hello lovely readers!
Today I want to share with you a new healthy breakfast idea that has become something of an obsession for me over the last week…smoothie bowls! I’ve been making different bowls for my breakfast non-stop, day after day after day and heck, it doesn’t ever get boring.
You might already have seen smoothie bowls online since they have been trending on health and fitness blogs lately…but if not let me fill you in quickly! Smoothie bowls are basically smoothies served in a bowl and garnished with toppings of your choice such as fresh fruit, nuts or seeds for example. The smoothie base is usually prepared using fewer amounts of liquid ingredients (such as plant-based milk like almond or coconut) and more frozen or denser fruit or ice to make it thicker so it can be eaten with a spoon.
Here’s why I’ve been loving them:
They’re super quick to prepare
We’re all oh so busy these days and sleep is limited and very precious. Blending up all your veg or fruit and topping it with some fresh fruit or some granola for a crunch allows you to pack all the nutrients you need together in a bowl in no time.
You can get all artsy with them
There are no rules; you can blend up a myriad of ingredients (green smoothie, berry smoothie, tropical smoothie…) and top it with whatever you fancy to make them look like a piece of art. I love matching the colour of my smoothie with my toppings, like adding colourful berries to a red smoothie or choosing toppings with different textures and sizes. Food is not only about taste but also presentation, and having a beautiful bowl bursting with bright colours in front of you just makes it even more appetizing!
They’re good for you
Smoothies and smoothie bowls are ideal for people who struggle to incorporate the recommended amount of fruit and veg into their diet. By mixing and blending up all your healthy ingredients, you can make a nutritious meal that will give you the energy and nutrients you need to start your day well.
Below are some examples of smoothie bowls I’ve prepared:
Bottom: Peanut Butter Chocolate Smoothie topped with desiccated coconut, almond flakes, strawberries and banana
Despite of this, some might still find the idea of a smoothie bowl somehow pointless. Why bother with pouring it into a bowl and adding stuff on top of it if? Why not just drink it as it is? Yeah, I get all that. However, what convinced me was another simple reason: they make me feel like I’m actually eating something.
Most people I know don’t have breakfast before heading off to work, or are happy with a coffee-to-go. Personally, I can’t leave the house without something in my stomach, or I’ll get miserable and grumpy in a matter of 30 minutes. I’ve tried having breakfast smoothies to save time, and while they do make me full for some time, they’re somehow just not satisfying enough. Even though a smoothie is filling, I’d still miss having something on my plate I can bite into, like a proper breakfast. Call me old-school if you want, but it’s just an old habit of mine.
Smoothie bowls are the perfect solution because the thickness, versatile toppings and different textures make them a real meal proper meal compared to just sipping a gloopy mix out of a glass in less than a minute. It might be psychological, but having a smoothie bowl keeps me fuller for longer than a regular smoothie does. They’re also perfect for the warmer seasons because they’re cold and refreshing, almost a bit like sorbet. So for me, the smoothie bowl is definitely going to be a staple this summer!
Have you ever tried a smoothie bowl? What ingredients did you use? I’d love to see your variations and ideas!
Also, if you want to see some more smoothie bowls, head over to my Instagram where I post about healthy food ideas!
Stay healthy and happy!
Love,
