Coconut Crunch Smoothie Bowl

My go-to breakfast for myself and my family is a smoothie. I love smoothies because you can pack a lot of nutrition into one tasty and super portable meal. 

Lately, I’ve been enjoying smoothie bowls. The difference between a smoothie and smoothie bowl is one item – a spoon! Smoothies you sip (preferably with a glass straw) and smoothie bowls you enjoy with a spoon.

I love smoothie bowls because they are like a blank canvas! And you get to be the artist to beautify it with nourishing toppings. It’s a fun activity for kids and for adults alike.

Before we get to my smoothie bowl recipe, I must tell you that not all smoothie bowl recipes are created equal. Tossing some fruit and yogurt into your blender just isn’t enough to fill the nutritional gaps that exist in our modern-day diets. Even if you eat 100% organic food, there could still be missing nutrients from your diet. This is why it’s important to make sure your smoothie bowl is well-balanced.

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You’ve probably heard the old saying “you are what you eat” but what's more accurate is this: “you are what you absorb”. This is why it’s important to choose the right protein powder for your smoothies and smoothie bowls.

Look for a protein powder with minimal ingredients and watch out for ingredients you may be allergic or sensitive too. I always stay away from added sugars and artificial sweeteners. Whey protein is a very common allergen and food sensitivity so I usually stick to plant-based protein powders. I also love adding 4-5 tbsp of hemp hearts to my smoothies.

Protein is key for a well-balanced smoothie because it’s essential for metabolic rate, muscle recovery and growth, a strong immune system, a healthy brain, beautiful skin and hair.

There are over 23,000 known phytonutrients in food and there are likely thousands more that scientists haven’t even yet discovered. “Phyto” simply means “plant” so phytonutrients are the healing chemical components in plant foods. Every smoothie or smoothie bowl you make is an awesome opportunity to ensure it’s packed with nourishing plant ingredients.

You’re probably wondering just what do phytonutrients do?

They are tiny molecules that pack a powerful nourishing punch. They give plant foods their colour, taste and texture but in humans, they can influence both our short-term health (our mood) and our long-term health (help reduce the risk of many diseases of modern civilization). Many phytonutrients act as antioxidants that protect our cells from damage that free radicals can cause.

This damage to our DNA is where cancer begins, but this is only one area they can help us thrive. These minuscule molecules assist every system in the body from gut health to brain health and everything in between. In fact, in the gut they can aid in shifting microbes to a healthier state and they can even influence the expression of genes that influence insulin and our body’s ability to control blood sugar. It’s exciting and amazing and the research is ongoing.

I eat fat with every single snack and meal. Many people still have the misconception that fat is bad for you. Just like protein, not all fats are created equal. There are definitely good fats and bad fats.

Good fat has numerous roles in the body from building healthy cells as they are the structural component of the brain and also the myelin sheath which is the fatty insulating sheath that surrounds each nerve. It helps the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like vitamins A, D, E and K which means they will be more readily absorbed into the body via the small intestine. Fat makes hormones and regulates the production of sex hormones and skin health. One of the most obvious signs of a lack of fat is dry, flaky skin.

Get good fats from a variety of options: coconut oil, avocado, nuts and seeds (that includes milks and butters).

You likely know fiber is essential for good poops but it goes beyond this! Both soluble and insoluble fiber are needed for a healthy gut and detoxification. Fiber helps to feed the good bacteria in your gut and the more good bacteria you have the better job you do starving out the bad bacteria. Good bacteria aids the body in detoxification as it helps break down waste and toxins while the fiber acts as a transport truck to move the junk out of your body. Fiber also helps to slow down the release of sugars into your bloodstream.

 My favourite ways to get more fiber into my smoothie bowls include ground flax, chia, fruits and veggies and of course greens+!

Let’s get to this amazing smoothie bowl, shall we?

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Have a joyous day!

Joy