I love smoothies because they’re a really simple way to cram tons of nutrients and superfoods into one glass. I sometimes feel like if I just drink a super-smoothie, I can absolutely eat fries the rest of the day. This is not something that I recommend, I’m just telling you what I feel. Some of the world’s healthiest foods: spinach, kale, avocado, macadamia nuts, chia seeds, berries, coconut, maca powder, and on and on…is what makes the most delicious smoothies.

I do, however,  have a bit of a beef with smoothies. They’re cool for a snack, but I feel like I cheat myself when I drink my breakfast. I down a smoothie and I’m like, “GREAT! Where’s my bacon?!”

Enter: The Green Smoothie Bowl.

Green Smoothie Bowls are like bowls of green soft serve ice cream. When I type that out, I guess it suddenly doesn’t seem so appealing, but just think of it like ice cream for breakfast! The best part about Green Smoothie Bowls for breakfast, though, is the toppings. This is where you get to go wild. Some of my favorite toppings are Loaded Granola, coconut flakes, berries, banana, and dark chocolate chips cacao nibs.This is a recipe that you can really make your own. Here are a couple of ways to turn your favorite smoothie into a Green Smoothie Bowl:

• Add a handful of greens

• Subtract 1/2 cup liquid

• Add a couple extra ice cubes

• Use at least 1/2 frozen banana

• Bonus: add 1 Tbsp chia seeds and use all frozen fruit

Frozen bananas are basically like magic fairy dust for smoothies, as it gives them a creamy, milkshake-like texture. Just do what I do and keep a few cut up bananas in your freezer in a freezer bag at all times. I promise you, frozen bananas will open a whole new smoothie world for you.

The Green Smoothie Bowl

Cuisine: Vegan, Gluten Free, Paleo

Author: Megan Hansen, RDN, LD

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 1

Superfood Ice Cream for breakfast! A cool, creamy treat made of fruits and veggies and things good.

Ingredients

• 1 cup kale

• 1 cup spinach

• 1/2 lemon, squeezed

• 1 frozen bananas

• 1-2 Tbsp chia seeds

• 1 scoop protein powder [See notes for recommendations]

• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk

• Pinch of cinnamon & turmeric

Add Ins:

• Fresh Ginger

• Maca Powder, Cacao Powder, Cacao Nibs, Spirulina, Acai Powder, Hemp Seeds

• Cashews, Almonds, Brazil Nuts, Coconut Oil, Almond Butter, Peanut Butter

• Celery, Cucumber, Carrot, Avocado

• Parsley, Cilantro, Mint

• Frozen Berries, Pineapple, Mango, Apple, Oranges

And…The Topping

• Loaded Granola

• Shredded Coconut, Cacao Nibs, Hemp Seeds

• Nuts, Nut Butter, Pepitas, Sunflower Seeds

• Berries, Sliced Banana, Raisins, Dried Cranberries, Gogi Berries

Instructions

1. Soak chia seeds in almond milk for at least 5 minutes. This is your thickener.

2. Pile ingredients into a blender. Include your add-ins, if using.

3. Blend.

4. Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings.

Serving size: 1 base recipe

Calories: 350

Fat: 7

Carbohydrates: 43

Sugar: 18

Fiber: 11

Protein: 33

Notes: For breakfast, I highly recommend adding a tablespoon of almond butter, handful of nuts, or using coconut cream instead of almond milk for some healthy fats. You won’t make it til lunch without those fats!

Recommended protein powders: Go Gnarly Whey, Tera’s Whey, Super Vital Foods Grass Fed Whey, Vega Sport, Sun Warrior and Plant Fusion