Acai (pronounced ah-sai-ee) bowls are the newest “breakfast rage.” Basically, they are thick smoothies that taste almost like ice cream and people top with fresh fruit and granola. In Fort Worth, places like Jamba Juice, Juice it Up and Righteous Foods offer these smoothie bowls for about $8.
What makes these bowls a healthy breakfast choice is the obvious ingredient: “acai berries.” These berries come from the acai palm tree which is native to Central and South America. These fruits are known for being high in antioxidants and their oil is often used in beauty products as a healthy alternative to other oils. Acai is also known to increase energy levels, a boosted immune system, improved metabolic function, and better hair and skin.
Since they’re not native to North America, it’s not easy getting your hands on these! Typically, acai is sold only as a frozen puree at health food stores like Whole Foods.
While Acai bowls might be a healthier breakfast choice than donuts or muffins, be weary of the high amount of sugar they contain! People often forget that sugar is sugar, and just because you’re getting sugar from fruit, doesn’t mean you can go crazy! Dr. Susan Swadener, a nutritionist and dietician, warns that some people eat these Acai bowls as a snack, when they really should be treated like a meal.
These Acai bowls are definitely worth trying and are a healthier way to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Try one yourself!
Coconut Acai Bowl
Ingredients:
For the Acai Puree:
2 Acai Superfruit Packs (try Sambazon packs from Whole Foods)
1 banana
1/3 cup coconut water or vanilla almond milk
For the Toppings:
Sliced Strawberries
Sliced Bananas
Handful of Blueberries
1 tsp. chia seeds
Shredded Coconut
Organic Granola
Directions:
1. Blend the 2 frozen acai packs in a blender with a banana and coconut water or almond milk until it’s thick and smooth like a smoothie
2. Top with sliced strawberries, sliced bananas, blueberries, toasted coconut, chia seeds and granola. Enjoy immediately!