Healthy Smoothie Bowls You'll Want to Get Out of Bed For
Swap your straw for a bowl — the possibilities are endless.
Min Kwon, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
Smoothies are quintessential summer drinks. With the right ingredients, they can be healthy, portable and convenient — drinks you can feel good about slurping. While you may enjoy them for their refreshing, delicious flavors, some days you just might crave more texture and crunch. Enter the smoothie bowl, which swaps out the straw and cup for a spoon and bowl.
Instead of paying a hefty price for a store-bought bowl, make one at home with ingredients you already have on hand. If you haven’t dabbled in the smoothie-with-a-spoon concept (but have been inspired by extensive posts on Instagram), never fear.
It’s super simple! You can transform your favorite smoothie by using less base liquid or adding a thickener like avocado, chia seeds or even dried dates. If you don’t have a favorite go-to smoothie recipe, this is the perfect time to experiment.
Depending on your choice of ingredients, these thick, creamy, soft-serve-like bowls can be enjoyed anytime, as a snack, a quick meal or even as a dessert!
Min Kwon, 2015, Television Food Network, G.P. All Rights Reserved
The Key Components of a Smoothie Bowl
- Vegetables: Kale, spinach, cucumber, celery, pumpkin, carrots, beets and other favorites are all great in smoothie bowls.
- Fruits: Frozen fruits work the best. Fresh fruits will work, too, but you just need to add ice cubes for thickness and temperature.
- Proteins: Protein powder (can be plant-based or whey), yogurt, chia or hemp seeds, and nut butters are all great options.
- Healthy fats: Add avocado, nuts, seeds or coconut oil.
- Liquids: Choose water, milk (dairy or non-dairy) or coconut water. Start with a little and gradually add a small amount at a time to ensure you achieve your desired consistency.
- Toppings: Granola, unsweetened coconut, fresh fruit, seeds and nuts are tasty toppings. Avoid added sugars as much as possible.
While it’s tempting to dress up your creations with piles of fruit, granola and whatever else your heart desires, be mindful of portion size. If you’re not careful, all those extras can make the calories and sugar content skyrocket. Additionally, aim for a proper balance between your carbohydrates, fats and proteins. For instance, if you incorporate a heaping amount of nuts to the smoothie base, use them sparingly as a topping, or consider a different add-on, like granola.
Here are a few basic recipes, but feel free to customize them to your liking. The possibilities are endless, and you never know what deliciousness you’ll uncover. Be adventurous and get your blender ready.
Min Kwon, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian who specializes in food sensitivities. She has a passion for translating the science of nutrition into real-life applicable advice and tips. In her healthy food blog, The Adventures of MJ and Hungryman, she focuses on sharing simple yet healthy recipes made from wholesome, REAL foods.
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