Acai is a Brazilian berry that is high in antioxidants. It is relatively low in sugar and high in fiber, minerals, and vitamin C. However, if we don’t watch how we build the bowls or when we get them from a restaurant, they can be high in sugar and calories. Making them at home, where we can optimize the ingredients, makes them even healthier.
1 Sambazon Acai packet or 2 tbsp acai powder
½ frozen banana
½ avocado or 1/2 cup frozen fruit of choice
1 pitted date (optional)
1 scoop of protein powder
½ cup coconut water or water (enough to get to desired consistency)
Toppings: fresh fruit, bee pollen, chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut flakes, or cacao nibs.
Allow frozen acai packet to sit at room temperature for a few minutes, just enough for packaging to loosen. In a blender, add acai packet or powder, frozen banana, avocado, coconut water, frozen fruit, pitted date, and protein powder. Begin blending, slowly increasing speed as everything starts to combine. You may need a spoon or tamper to keep pushing ingredients down to blend correctly. Once combined to desired consistency, pour into a serving bowl and add toppings of choice: fresh fruit, bee pollen, chia seeds, hemp seeds, coconut flakes, or even cacao nibs.
PRO TIPS TO BUILD A BETTER ACAI BOWL:
• Check your acai packets and make sure they have no hidden sugars. If you can’t find a packet, look for acai powder instead.
• Pick a mixing liquid: I like to use coconut water for added minerals or plain water.
• Add a protein powder. This is key because if you make this a meal, you need the protein to balance the sugars in the bowl. This will ensure you don’t get a sugar crash later in the day.
• If you want to sweeten it up, choose a pitted date. This will sweeten it and add more minerals and fiber to the bowl.
• Top with superfood toppings like bee pollen, hemp seeds, additional seasonal fruit, chia seeds, or cacao nibs.
