In many ways, smoothie bowls are the perfect summer breakfast. The combination of fresh, hydrating fruits, with fiber-filled granola will help you stay satisfied all morning long.
With summer in full bloom, finding fresh fruit and vegetables are easier than ever and might have you inspired to switch up your regular smoothie bowl routine. If you’re looking to add new flavor and texture, while keeping it as nutritious as possible, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to discover our favorite recommendations!
Hemp Hearts
Hemp hearts are a superfood that you should definitely add into your diet! Hemp seeds are unique in that they contain all nine sources of amino acids, making them a great source of plant-based protein. Additionally, they are a great way to get your daily dose of healthy fats. Most notably, these tiny little seeds contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function, skin and hair health, as well as helping to maintain the reproductive system.
Eating hemp seeds can be a great way to get vitamins and minerals that you need to maintain optimum health. They contain a good amount of magnesium, a mineral that your body uses to help break down food into energy, among other functions. They also contain calcium, iron and potassium.
You can enjoy the mild, nutty flavor of hemp seeds sprinkled on top of your smoothie bowl. If you don’t like the texture or flavor, they blend seamlessly into a smoothie, and the taste is virtually unnoticeable.
Yogurt
A fruit based smoothie bowl is a great way to get vitamins and carbs into your system. However, it can be low in protein. A lack of protein and healthy fats will leave you feeling less satiated, and likely have you hungry sooner.
To make a smoothie bowl a more well-rounded meal, consider adding yogurt. Blending yogurt into the smoothie helps give it a rich, creamy texture, but also has several health benefits.
Yogurt is a great way to incorporate protein and fat into your smoothie bowl. A serving of full-fat, plain greek yogurt can have up to 16g of protein. It will also get you about 15% of your daily calcium, and 9g of fat.
Can’t do dairy? No problem! A serving of soy-based yogurt will still get you 7g of protein, which is still great.
Yogurt is also packed full of probiotics, which helps support your gut health.
Barley Grass Juice Powder
While green smoothies might be delicious once in a while, you might not think of making them the base of your smoothie bowl. However, adding greens can be a really nutritious way to start your day. Don’t like the taste of too many greens in your smoothie? Allow us to introduce you to barley grass juice powder.
Barley grass juice powder is packed with nutritional benefits, while also having a very mild taste. This means that adding it to your smoothie won’t give it that bitter aftertaste other greens can sometimes give it. Health benefits include high amounts of vitamins A and C, as well as antioxidants. This simple green powder can help fill nutritional gaps, lower cholesterol, and assist in skin and bone health.
Tahini
If you’re a smoothie bowl fan, it’s likely that you’ve tried topping them with peanut butter. While peanut butter is a great option to add healthy fats, and protein to your smoothie bowls, it can get boring after a while.
Enter: Tahini.
You might be used to using tahini as a condiment for savory dishes, such as hummus or salad dressings. However, this paste, made from ground sesame seeds, is equally as delicious when combined with the sweet flavors of fruit. It also offers some health benefits that are different from more common nut butters, like peanut and almond.
While tahini is a bit lower in protein than other nut butters, it is an excellent source of healthy fats. Because it contains 50% monounsaturated fatty acids, it is a great food to incorporate in your diet if you struggle with chronic inflammation. These types of fatty acids have been linked to lowering your risk of inflammation and associated diseases.
High Protein Granola
Nothing makes a smoothie bowl come together like a handful of crunchy granola. However, not all granola is created equal. Many brands that you buy at the store contain large amounts of sugar.
Make sure you are getting the nutrition you need by choosing a high-protein granola. Good options are ones that contain nut butters, or a variety of nuts and seeds. Want to tailor your granola to your taste? Try making your own.
We love this recipe, with a base that can be endlessly adapted by choosing different add-ins.
What is your favorite way to boost the nutrition in your smoothie bowl? Share in the comments below.
