Protein and fruit balanced smoothie bowls, first created in Brazil, now enjoyed here in America.
Smoothie Bowls
Did you know the first smoothie bowls were created in Brazil? Yep! In fact, it was the Gracie family, known world wide as masters in jujitsu, who created a particular diet for fitness and ‘fight readiness’, who created 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, giving 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. 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.
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, 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 is really a matter of personal choice. I stick with a flavorless bovine protein powder, while my daughter uses a marine rich protein powder and we have both often used plant based protein powder. Choice is yours.
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 and 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
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Smoothie bowls
Brazilian Protein and Fruit Smoothie Bowl
Course: Breakfast u0026amp; Brunch, Health HacksCuisine: BrazilianDifficulty: Easy2
servingsProtein and fruit balanced smoothie bowls, first created in Brazil, now enjoyed here in America.
Ingredients
Frozen Tropical Fruit and Veggie Medley – 16 oz bag
Cashew milk – 1 cup
Protein powder – 2 tbsp
Fresh turmeric root – 1 tbsp, chopped
Chia seeds – 1 tsp
Citrus juice – 1/4 cup, lime, orange or grapefruit
Coconut flakes – 2 tbsp
Raw cashews – 1/4 cup
Directions
- In a 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.
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