So, acai is like a big deal…
(Ah-sigh-ee) in case you were wondering… : )
These little purple berries are chalk full of fiber, calcium and vitamin A. According to livestrong.com, acai contains more phytochemicals than any other fruit or vegetable on the planet.
What are phytochemicals might you ask? Here is a little excerpt from the American Institute for Cancer Research:
“Phytochemicals are naturally occurring plant chemicals (phyto means plant in Greek). They provide plants with color, odor and flavor. Once we eat them, however, research shows they can influence the chemical processes inside our bodies in helpful ways.”
Findings from laboratory studies have shown that phytochemicals have the potential to:
Stimulate the immune system
Block substances we eat, drink and breathe from becoming carcinogens
Reduce the kind of inflammation that makes cancer growth more likely
Prevent DNA damage and help with DNA repair
Reduce the kind of oxidative damage to cells that can spark cancer
Slow the growth rate of cancer cells
Trigger damaged cells to commit suicide before they can reproduce
Help to regulate hormones
Read more here
There are may different types of phytochemicals and they are found in products like red wine (resveratrol), cruciferous veggies (isothiocyanates), and even tea (polyphenols). Plants are amazing!
How can you consume this magical acai? There are various ways to take it… from powders to supplements and what not. I personally love the flavor of it, so I have been buying the frozen puree packs and making smoothie bowls.
You pair your wonderful acai puree with potassium-filled bananas and antioxidant-rich berries…
+ maca (high in vitamin C, copper and iron – you can read more benefits here)
+ spirulina (some say it may be the single most nutritious food on the planet! – you can read the benefits here)
These acai bowls have become one of my favorite breakfast concoctions. They fill you with so much energy and they pack a ton of nutrition into one sweet little bowl.
It is so crucial that the first meal you eat of the day is healthy and wholesome. You are setting the mood for your entire day ahead. Give yourself a few extra minutes in the morning to make something that is good for your body. This is an act of self-care and self-love.
Raspberries, cranberries, hemp seed, walnuts, coconut, mmm!
Berry Banana Acai Bowl (V + GF)
Time: 7-8 minutes
Yield: 1 large serving
*See note at bottom
Ingredients:
*1 organic acai puree packet (roughly 3.5-4 ounces or ¼ cup)
2 frozen bananas
1 cup organic frozen mixed berries
2 Medjool dates, pitted
½ tsp. spirulina powder
1 tsp. maca powder
½ cup water or unsweetened coconut water
Toppings (all optional and customizable!):
chia seed
hemp seed
walnuts (these add a fabulous texture)
flaked unsweetened coconut
Fresh or frozen berries (raspberries, blueberries, cranberries, etc.)
Instructions:
Puree main ingredients in a high-speed blender until silky smooth! This will be a thick mixture, so you will most likely need to use the tamper tool to ensure it gets completely blended.
Using a rubber spatula, transfer puree to a chilled bowl and top with all of your favorite nuts, seeds and berries!
Enjoy and feel that healthy energy!
Note:
I buy my acai packets from Trader Joes. They are organic and the only other ingredients include water and a teeny bit of citric acid. They are also super affordable!
Another great tip to save you a couple minutes in the morning: make up a bunch of these in little baggies and store in the freezer. You can then just empty the bag in the blender and then add your water to puree.
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