Brazilian Protein and Fruit Smoothie Bowl is a protein and fruit rich, balanced meal first created in Brazil, now enjoyed here in America.
The First Brazilian Smoothie Bowls
Did you know the first smoothie bowls were created in Brazil?
Yep! In fact, it was the Gracie family, known worldwide as masters in jujitsu.
The Gracie family created a particular diet for fitness and ‘fight readiness’, and were the first to create the first acai bowl, precursor to the smoothie bowl.
A balance of protein, fruits (both acidic and non-acidic fruits), along with specific grains, made for the best smoothie bowls.
They believed it gave the body the energy and vitamins needed to burn throughout the day.
When I first went to Brazil to live, I ate so many acai bowls until one day I couldn’t put another bite to my lips.
Smoothie Bowls In America
To this day, I can’t eat the acai berry. The taste seemed a cross between a fruit and an earthy tasting powder. But then, that’s just me.
I wanted to continue to enjoy all the nutrients of a smoothie bowl and so I just started using other nutrient rich fruits instead of the acai.
Protein Rich Cashews
Cashews are actually not a nut, they’re a seed; a rather large seed that hangs at the end of a well known and loved fruit in Brazil called Caju.
The cashew seed is rich in protein and fiber but also several minerals perfect for bone health as well as immune boost properties.
The cashew and the milk made from cashews are perfect for smoothie drinks and smoothie bowls.
Brazilian Fruits
Having lived in Brazil for several years, I never stopped being amazed at the marvelous array of tropical fruits.
Coconuts of various types, bananas of about a gazillion types and so many fiber and protein rich plant foods.
Fruits I had never seen before, such as the ‘Jaca’ or jackfruit, rich in so many nutrients it was insane!
A friend, in Brazil, had one of these trees growing in her front yard. Heaven help her if one fell on her head, while walking under it!
Cashew, in Brazil, is considered, or rather most often sought after for, as a fruit.
The juice is somewhat sweet, though the smell reminded me of old socks hanging in a locker room.
My son loved the fruit juice. I couldn’t get it to my lips.
Making A Protein and Fruit Rich Smoothie Bowl
The first ingredient I am after in my smoothie bowl, is a nut, grain or seed milk. Store bought if you must but my preference is Homemade Nut Milk such as cashew, almond or any nut, grain or seed milk.
I prefer homemade nut milk because it takes no effort to make and only a few hours to soak and soften the nut, grain or seed to make milk with it.
No preservatives, additives or thickeners!
Protein Powder In A Smoothie Bowl
Protein powder is really a matter of personal choice.
I stick with a flavorless bovine protein powder, while my daughter uses a marine rich protein powder.
We have both often used plant based protein powder made from pea protein and it is delicious. Choice is yours.
Chia In A Smoothie Bowl
A powerful addition to a smoothie bowl is the use of chia seeds.
Not only does a small amount help thicken the liquids in the smoothie bowl but those tiny seeds are a mega power food; loaded with protein, fiber, calcium, iron, zinc and on and on.
I often grab a tropical frozen medley bag at the grocery store to use in my smoothie bowl because it is fast and easy.
Also, since the fruit is already frozen it makes for a luscious texture.
A quality blender, bullet or food processor is all you need to make the smoothie bowl.
Toss everything in, give it a whirl, place in a bowl and sprinkle toppings on for a satisfying texture.
Ingredients Needed
- Frozen Fruit and Veggie Medley
- Cashew milk
- Protein powder
- Fresh turmeric root
- Chia seeds
- Citrus juice (lime, orange or grapefruit)
- Coconut flakes
- Raw cashews
Equipment Needed
- Blender, Bullet or Food Processor – a powerful and very affordable blender.
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Smoothie bowls
Other Smoothies To Love
We don’t have to wait until New Year’s Day to make a resolution to eat healthier foods.
After all, we just finished with two months of holiday celebrations on New Year’s Day.
So why not just keep these healthy smoothie recipes on hand to have ever Monday, to start your week off healthy.
You will return to it again next Monday, even if you fall a bit naughty throughout the week!
- Brazilian Health Smoothie – with its raw vegetables and vitamin rich fruits, was popular in Brazil before I ever heard of smoothies here in America.
- Detox Green Superfood Smoothie – a flavor packed puree of pineapple, mint, kefir and kale. Perfect with, or in place of, a meal.
- Healthy Kids Fruit and Veggie Smoothie – the best way to sneak healthy ingredients into kids diets, and let them think it’s a treat!
Brazilian Protein and Fruit Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
- 16 oz Frozen Tropical Fruit and Veggie Medley
- 1 cup Cashew milk
- 2 tbsp Protein powder your choice
- 1 tbsp Fresh turmeric root rough chopped
- 1 tsp Chia seeds
- 1/4 cup Citrus juice your choice
- 2 tbsp Coconut flakes
- 1/4 cup Raw cashews
Instructions
- In a heavy duty blender, place all the ingredients, except the coconut flakes and raw cashews. Puree until thick and creamy.
- Place in your favorite breakfast bowl and add coconut flakes and raw cashews.
Notes
- If you have excess, simply store in the freezer and puree for next time or add ice and make a smoothie drink.
- Another fabulous option is to make popsicles out of any excess!
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