Are you looking for a colorful and healthy breakfast that leaves you energized for the day to come? Look no further. A green smoothie bowl with delicious toppings is my go-to breakfast when I am craving a light but nourishing meal in the morning.
Smoothies have become more and more popular, and there are several discussions on how healthy (or not) they are. Based on what I read and my own experience, here is what I think and recommend when it comes to smoothies:
Vegetables should make up at least 50% of your smoothie. Smoothies entirely made of fruit contain a ton of sugar and should not be considered as a healthy breakfast (think of it and consume it as it was a dessert and you are just fine!). I recommend a mix of leafy greens like spinach, kale, arugula, swiss chard or other green vegetables like celery and cucumber. My favorite combination is spinach and arugula. Now and then I am using kale as well, but I’d say that’s for the more advanced green smoothie lovers as it does taste pretty intense.
Add healthy fats. Did you know that you can satisfy sugar cravings by adding fats to your meals? Add avocado (ohhh so creamy), a teaspoon of coconut oil, or homemade nut butter. Or all of the above.
Freeze your bananas. Although bananas are high in sugar compared to other fruit, I like to add a few pieces to my smoothie to balance the flavor of the green vegetables. I usually peel them, cut them in pieces and put them in the freezer. Here is why: you always have perfectly ripe bananas ready, you don’t need extra ice as the bananas chill down the smoothie, and it give it an even creamier consistency.
Eat, don’t drink your smoothie. A smoothie (bowl) is a complete meal and should be eaten as such. Sit down, relax, and eat your smoothie bowl with a spoon instead of gulping it down while running to work. It’s not only that you are eating more consciously, but it will also allow your body to digest more easily.
Load your smoothie with your favorite superfoods. Put in whatever you like. Some of my favorite superfoods are maca powder, chia seeds, ginger, spirulina, and matcha tea powder.
Decorate your bowl to make it even more fun (and Instagram-worthy). Really there are no rules. Add fruit, coconut chips, goji berries, chia seeds, cocoa nibs, and don’t forget a massive blob of homemade nut butter.
When it comes to smoothies, there is no need for a recipe. Just throw all your favorite fruits and vegetables in a blender, add some liquid, and you are good to go. I love experimenting and mixing up my smoothie routine, but there is one favorite combination that I always return to. If you are looking for some inspiration, below is my favorite recipe but feel free to adjust to your liking.
If you are looking for other healthy breakfast recipes, check out this acaí berry chia pudding or these savory spinach pancakes.
One word about juice: I am not a huge fan as you are missing out on all the healthy fiber. Without fiber, the nutrients in fruits get absorbed very quickly and cause a spike in your blood sugar.
Love,
Marion
Green Smoothie Bowl
A colorful green smoothie bowl which allows you adding a lot of healthy vegetables to your breakfast routine. Vegan and gluten-free.
Ingredients
- 150ml nut milk
- 1 hand full fresh spinach
- 1 hand full fresh kale (or another hand full fresh spinach)
- ½ banana, frozen
- Flesh of ¼ avocado
- 1 piece of fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 teaspoon chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon maca powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon spirulina (optional)
- ½ teaspoon matcha tea powder (optional)
- Toppings: coconut chips, banana slices, chia seeds, goji berries, almond butter
Directions
- Step 1 Add all ingredients to a high-speed blender.
- Step 2 Blend until smooth.
- Step 3 Pour into a bowl and decorate with your favorite toppings.
