Smoothie bowls.. they have kind of been my thing all summer and for good reason! I love that I am able to pack a powerful punch of macro and micro nutrients into an easy and delicious smoothie that I can chew. I have been posting my bowls a lot lately and you guys are asking for the details, so I figured it was time to make a blog post! You will notice that my protein bowl looks a little different each time, mostly due to toppings, but the base pretty much stays the same and I’m okay with that. One thing that definitely stays the same is my reasoning for making a smoothie bowl instead of a smoothie…!
Sure, from time to time, I will have a shake, but I really like to be present with my food by chewing it for many different reasons. First of all, the digestive process begins in the mouth when you chew. As you chew, your body begins to secrete enzymes in your mouth to being breaking down your food. This enzyme is called amylase and is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates. We all know the saying “I am salivating over this food…” and this isn’t just a saying, it’s a bodily function that helps you digest your food better. When you smell food and prepare to eat it, your body releases salivary amylase in response. Not only that, but your stomach will begin to produce HCl and enzymes to help breakdown the food once it makes it there. My point here is that chewing and allowing salivary amylase to begin the breakdown of your food is extremely important, so even if you’re drinking a smoothie, make sure to ‘chew’ on it a little bit!
The other message here is something that I talk to every single client about-being present and relaxed while eating. How many times do you eat food on the go and without really thinking about it. Are you chewing your food well? Probably not. Are you in a parasympathetic state (relaxed)? Again, you’re not! If I am guzzling down a protein shake, I’m probably doing it quickly and without much thought, which isn’t allowing my body to get into a state of rest and digest, which means my body isn’t in a state for optimal absorption of nutrients. This is another reason I love the smoothie bowl. It makes me be much more present than just drinking a smoothie! Especially when I add all of my toppings that I love to chew and crunch 🙂
For my base I have a few brands that I am obsessed with… HealthForce Nutritionals, Vital Proteins, and Life’s Abundance! I purchase my Vital Proteins collagen, HealthForce Nutritionals, Nutiva chia seeds, and Four Sigma Foods (I occasionally add in some of their different mushroom mixes for extra support), from Thrive Market because I have found the best deals there.
The other protein powder that I use is Life’s Abundance. It was created by the amazing nutritionist Kerri Glassman and I have become completely obsessed with it. It’s not too expensive, has no added sugars, and is one of the best vegan protein powders I have had. You can purchase that here.
**Note that by using these links I get a small benefit, but I recommend them because I love them and use them! 🙂
- 1 scoop pea protein powder
- 1 scoop Vital Proteins collagen
- 1 tbsp Healthforce Vitamin C
- 2 tsp Healthforce Spirulina
- 2 tbsp Nutiva chia seeds (soaked in 1 cup water overnight)
- 1 cup spinach
- ICE
- Soak chia seeds overnight
- Blend all ingredients together!
- This makes a really thick smoothie for a smoothie bowl, so if you like it thinner, then add water!
Top your smoothie with lots of yummy things for texture and even more healthy fats. I make the smoothie super basic so that I am able to add toppings like low-glycemic fruit and healthy fats. Some of my favorite toppings are coconut, sprouted seeds, flax seeds, cacao nibs, bee pollen, and berries!
Blair is a Nutrition Consultant and Natural Chef with a passion for helping others achieve optimal health through a holistic approach that focuses on body, mind, and spirit. 
