I’ve been on a nutritional journey to become the healthiest version of myself for about 5 years now. This has required that I try all kinds of fruits and veggies I would normally balk at the site of. But one new berry I love is the acai berry! Where has it been all my life? To be quite honest, I have only consumed this fruit in its frozen pureed version. One morning I decided to be a little adventurous and order an acai bowl instead of my trusty loaded oatmeal bowl. I was pleasantly surprised at the texture and taste and became hooked immediately. The cost, however, presented a major challenge to my dining budget and there began my quest to perfect the acai bowl at home.
After researching this purply-red berry, I was even more convinced that I needed to eat a bowl at least once a week. I learned that acai is a superfood packed with antioxidants. This means it help boost your immune system, heals damaged cells, and increases energy levels. It is also a great source of natural fiber. I’ve been unfamiliar with this berry because it is indigenous to the Amazon rainforest and not readily available for purchase in most American markets.
I’ll show you how I make my acai berry bowls. I prefer the unsweetened acai frozen packs because I do not eat sugar. You can buy your frozen acai bars from Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s.
It’s hard to find an acai bowl blended just right. But when you do, you’ll be hooked. This super-food loaded meal can easily run you $12. Here’s how I make mine just as delicious at a fraction of the cost.
1. Get all your tools and ingredients set up. Ninja, Bullet, or similar tool; (I use my Cuisinart bullet.); Coconut water and/or Nut Milk; Banana; frozen Acai packet; nut butter; any green veggie of your liking; fruits to your liking; Chia Seeds; Hemp Seeds; Flax Seeds; Coconut shreds (unsweetened is best); sliced raw almonds; granola; honey or agave; optional cocoa nibs.
2. Base: Blend the frozen acai, 1/2 a banana, a spoonful of nut butter, and half of a handful of green veggies with a little coconut water and/or almond milk. use sight measurements for the liquids you add. You simply want to be sure not to make the mixture too runny. It should be blended to a thick frosty mix, not to a liquid. The nut butter helps with this. Freezing your bananas will also make this mixture more firm. Other frozen fruit mixed in also changes the taste for a nice variety.
3. Quickly pour the thick, blended mix into a bowl. (Work quickly because this works best if the base is firm. )
4. Toppings: Sprinkle your dried toppings on top of the base mixture. You may used sliced pieces of fruit on top as well.
5. Enjoy your fantabulous bowl!
You can substitute all kinds of ingredients for the base and for the toppings. It is best to stay away from artificially sweetened products and the fruit naturally has plenty. If you think you need more sweet, add a drizzle of honey or agave at the end.