Now who wouldn’t want to start the day with a big bowl of ice cream? Now while that may not be the healthiest or most nutritious choice, there’s no denying that the very thought makes us smile in eager anticipation. Fortunately for us, smoothie bowls are the closest you can come to doing just this.
And when you add protein, this smoothie bowl can make the most perfect meal post workout. Fruits provide essential vitamins and antioxidants, both of which help you regain your energy and assist your muscles in healing faster. The extra protein also keeps you feeling full longer.
Here are five delicious recipes for smoothie bowls that can give you that extra boost of protein:
Ingredients
Smoothie
- 1/4 ripe avocado
- 2 medium ripe bananas, previously sliced and frozen
- 1 cup fresh or frozen mixed berries (organic when possible) – use strawberries/raspberries for a greener smoothie, darker berries for a purple smoothie
- 2 large handfuls spinach (organic when possible)
- 1 small handful kale (organic when possible), large stems removed
- 1 1/2 – 2 cups unsweetened non-dairy milk (will depend on if your berries are frozen)
- 1 tbsp flax seed meal
- Optional: 2 tbsp salted creamy almond or peanut butter
Toppings
- Roasted unsalted sunflower seeds
- Granola
- Raw or roasted nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
- Shredded unsweetened coconut
- Fresh berries
- Hemp seeds
Instructions
- Add all smoothie ingredients to a blender and blend until creamy and smooth. Add more almond milk (or water) to thin.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more ripe banana (or maple syrup) for added sweetness, more spinach for a bright green hue, or almond milk for creaminess.
- For the green smoothie, I used strawberries, which let the green color come through more. For the purple bowl, I used darker berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries).
- For more protein, add nut butter! This also offsets/enhances the natural sweetness of the smoothie.
- Divide between 2 serving bowls and top with desired toppings!
- Best when fresh, though leftovers can be kept in jars in the fridge for up to 1-2 days.
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- ¼ cup diced carrot
- ½ cup frozen pineapple
- ½ cup frozen peaches
- 1 heaping tablespoon raw hemp seeds
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (I used North Coast Naturals vegan Vege Pro-7)
- 2 pitted dates
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or more for a runnier smoothie bowl)
Toppings
- 1 tablespoon shredded unsweetened coconut
- ½ tablespoon hemp seeds
- ½ tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon shredded carrot
- a few chunks of pineapple
Instructions
Blend ingredients to make a thick smoothie, pour into a bowl and garnish with the toppings.
Serves: 1
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ½ cup yogurt
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 tbsp maple syrup, plus additional for drizzling
- ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ cup cornflakes
- 5 strawberries, sliced
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 2 tbsp almonds
- 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
- 1 tsp chia seeds
Instructions
Blend the strawberries, yogurt, 1 tablespoon of the maple syrup, and the vanilla until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and top with the cornflakes, strawberries, blueberries, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and a drizzle of yogurt.
Serves: 1
- 1 1/2 cups berry mix or frozen fruit mix of choice
- 1 1/2 fresh banana (use the other half sliced on top)
- 2 tablespoons almond or natural peanut butter or 1 scoop vegan protein powder, optional
- 1/2 cup water
- 3 – 4 ice cubes
Some Optional Toppings
- Granola
- Coconut
- Cacao nibs
- Natural nut butters (almond, peanut, etc.)
- Banana
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Grapes
- Kiwi
- Goji berries
- Hemp hearts
- Chia seeds
- Pomegranate seeds
- Almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
Instructions
In a blender, place berry mix, banana, nut butter, water and ice cubes. Blend until thick and creamy. Pour into a serving dish and use toppings you like.
Notes:
- If using frozen bananas, omit the ice cubes and add 1/4 cup of water.
- Add extra water as needed once blended. If using protein powder, you may need a little extra.
- Adding nuts and seeds as part of your toppings will add extra protein.
Serves: 1
Ingredients
For The Smoothie
- 3 frozen bananas
- 2 cups almond milk
- 1 heaped scoop chocolate protein powder
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seed butter
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
For The Toppings
- ⅓ cup coconut flakes
- ⅓ cup paleo granola
- ⅓ cup almonds, chopped
- ¼ cacao nibs
- 1-2 bananas, chopped
Instructions
Place bananas, almond milk, protein powder, sunflower seed butter, cocoa powder, honey, and vanilla extract in a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour mixture into 2-3 bowls and garnish with all the toppings or whatever you prefer.
Serves: 2-3
