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Salted Caramel Smoothie Bowl

April 21, 2020/3 Comments/in Boosting Energy, Boosting Immune System, Brain Functions, Digestive Health, Elevated Mood, Food Categories, Increased Athletic Performance, Managing Illnesses, Managing Stress, Reduced Aches & Pains, Reduced Inflammation, Weight Management, Youthful Appearance paleo, whole30, dairy free, gluten free, grain free smoothies, smoothie bowls, breakfast /by Stacey Isaacs

This Salted Caramel Smoothie Bowl will keep you happy and healthy… it is so good!

I go through phases. For awhile I had to have a smoothie every single morning. Then I decided I wanted something hot for breakfast so I changed up my smoothies, made them a little lighter and fruitier, and had them as mid afternoon snacks. Then I stopped them completely. Then… this next phase happened: Smoothie Bowls any time I had the urge. This phase is my favorite phase. I love coming home for lunch and making one of these. I also love making one for a snack. And breakfast… well that goes without saying. I love this unstructured smoothie bowl phase.

I’ve decided that I like my smoothies even more when they are thick enough to eat with a spoon. When I can top them with glorious fresh fruit, crunchy toppings, and superfoods. This phase seems to be lingering for quite awhile and I couldn’t be happier.

This Salted Caramel Smoothie Bowl is my latest obsession. It tastes amazing. It includes as many superfoods as I feel I need in the moment, and can be topped with anything that floats my boat. And really… is there anyone who doesn’t like the taste of salted caramel?

Years ago when I started making so many smoothies, I would make mine differently than the ones I made for my family. Mine would come out all kinds of green and brown and they’d really look pretty unappealing. For my family, I would inevitably leave out the greens and they’d be all kinds of pretty. This kept us all happy.

I’m not sure what it is about creating an extra thick smoothie that can be served in a bowl, but whatever it is, it allows me to create the same bowl for all of us. I have found my creative flow with these bowls and I highly recommend you experiment and customize your bowl to your liking and your needs.

This smoothie bowl happens to be great for your digestion… please feel free to download my free ebook now to learn more about optimizing your diet for digestive health.

Here are some of the healing ingredients in this Salted Caramel Smoothie Bowl recipe:

In Chinese medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And equally as important, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. This recipe calls for coconut water.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healthy choice. I like to use a cashew-based yogurt for this bowl.

I use cauliflower for breads, crusts, rice… everything. It can be used in so many forms… and, it’s really good for you. In Chinese medicine we use it to aid in digestion and help with constipation. One of the things I find most amazing about this cruciferous vegetable is it’s ability to help with age-related memory loss (My menopausal friends will appreciate this benefit!). It contains a healthy amount of Vitamin B, Vitamin K and Omega-3 fatty acids and can help fight cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cauliflower also helps the body with detoxification and with reducing inflammation. So, as far as I’m concerned, the more the merrier. Frozen cauliflower makes this bowl so thick and creamy.

Dates are rich in potassium, dietary fiber and tannins. Fiber is good for your gut and tannins help the body fight inflammation and infection. Dates are also rich in vitamin A and iron. The most amazing thing about dates is that they can be used to replace sugar in almost anything. I stopped using sweetened protein powders in my smoothies and now I use unsweetened ones but I add a few dates.

Collagen strengthens bones and muscles, keeps your joints healthy, improves flexibility and concentration, and helps heal your digestive system. It also keeps you looking youthful.

Maca Root has many healthy benefits including increasing libido, helping menopausal symptoms, relieving menstrual cramps, regulating hormones, and increasing energy.

Flax seeds can relieve constipation and lower cholesterol.

Sunflower seeds help lower blood pressure and can relieve headaches and dizziness. In Eastern medicine we recommend eating sunflower seeds if a person is troubled by certain severe intestinal symptoms like dysentery, or intestinal worms or certain parasites. These seeds also contain calcium and magnesium and have anti-aging properties. In Chinese medicine they are often prescribed to get rid of rashes. I like to use sunflower seed butter in this recipe.

Salted Caramel Smoothie Bowl

5.0 from 1 reviews

Recipe type: paleo, whole30, dairy free, gluten free, grain free

Cuisine: smoothies, smoothie bowls, breakfast

Author: Stacey@Kitchen Of Youth

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 1

This Salted Caramel Smoothie Bowl will make you smile while keeping you healthy. It's great for your digestion and can help fight inflammation.

Ingredients

½ cup coconut water
½ cup yogurt (I used a dairy-free cashew yogurt)
1 cup frozen cauliflower
3 pitted dates
¼ tsp cinnamon
pinch of Himalayan salt
1 scoop collagen
1 tsp maca root powder
1 Tbs ground flax seed
1 Tbs sun butter
Toppings:
blueberries, bee pollen, walnuts, raw cacao nibs... or anything you like

Instructions

Put all ingredients (except toppings) into a high-speed blender and whiz it up until smooth.
Scoop into a bowl.
Top with whatever makes you happy.
Enjoy!

10 Best Foods And Herbs To Boost Memory And Concentration

June 25, 2018/3 Comments/in Blog Post /by Stacey Isaacs

Are you forgetful? Is it hard to concentrate? Do you need help focusing? This list of the 10 best foods and herbs to boost memory and concentration will make your life so much easier!

Eating the correct foods and herbs will help you with memory, concentration, and focus. We all have trouble focusing sometimes. And, how frustrating is it when you forget what you were just about to say, or when you walk into a room to get something but you forget what that something is? Ugh… I just hate when that happens. But, and this is a big but (no pun intended…), when you add the correct combination of foods and herbs into your daily routine, your brain starts to perform at its highest level. Like when you were younger. Or like before you had kids. Remember when you could sit and focus on one task before moving onto another one?

If any of the above scenarios resonates with you, then this list of the 10 best foods and herbs to boost memory and concentration is for you.

First, let me tell you that I use my brain all the time. I laugh when people call me a professional student, but it’s kind of true. I went to college and got a degree in Journalism. Three years later, I went to law school. After practicing law for about 15 years, I went to cooking school. Then, several years after that, I went back to school for my Masters degree in Oriental medicine and a license in acupuncture. And now, I’m combining everything into what I’m so passionate about: food as medicine. So, yeah, I’m kinda sorta a professional student and I’m always studying, reading, and learning.

Each time I went back to school, it became harder and harder to hold the information in my brain. Exams seemed to be getting more difficult and it took me longer to study than it used to.

But, hey, I was studying Chinese herbs and eastern nutrition… hmmm…. a lightbulb went off. Physician, heal thyself!

So, when I tell you that these 10 foods and herbs to boost memory and concentration are the ones you should use, I know from where I speak.

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

I always relish the chance to test everything I learn out on myself before I recommend these things to my clients. And this was an awesome opportunity for that honor. After years of testing (literally — see what I did there?) I came up with this list. My status as an “A-student” did not suffer, and just this past week, I got a call from one of my favorite clients who told me she has been incorporating what she called the “Smart Ten” into her diet for 3 weeks, and already she’s noticing a huge difference.

I just LOVE this kind of success!

Food is brain medicine!

Here’s The List Of The 10 Best Foods And Herbs To Boost Memory And Concentration:

1. Collagen

Collagen strengthens bones and muscles, keeps your joints healthy, improves flexibility and mental concentration, keeps your digestive system running smoothly, and helps keep you looking and feeling youthful. I put collagen in my coffee, tea, and smoothies. You can use this daily… yup, every day.

2. Huang Qi (Astragalus)

Huang Qi is a Chinese herb. It’s like magic; it builds qi/gives you energy… you can really feel it working while you are eating. Like many herbs, huang qi is an adaptogen. This means it works with your whole body; it helps your whole body deal with stress and it works exactly as your body needs it to at the time you are taking it. It works especially well for your brain’s neuron health. My family makes fun of my excitement for herbs, but they also are happy to reap the rewards when they eat my herb-infused foods, so think about tossing in some herbs the next time you boil a pot of something…

3. Coconut

In Chinese medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus.

4. Long Yan Rou (Longan Fruit)

Long Yan You is a Chinese herb that strengthens your qi and blood. This means it gives you energy when your body is weak. This fruit is a little bit like a lychee. It’s particularly good at remedying forgetfulness and at calming the mind. The fruit is most often sold dried and is a little sweet and a little smoky tasting. It can be eaten raw or cooked. I used to love to sit with a bag of longan fruit next to me when I was driving for a long distance — it just seemed to wake me up and perk up my brain just the right amount.

5. Egg Yolks

Eggs are nature’s perfect food — they come in a perfect container and are so nutritious. I truly wish people would stop splitting them up and eating just the whites. I am a big proponent of eating the whole egg. So many of the nutrients and the taste are in the yolk; I’ll never understand separating nature’s perfect food. The yolks contain vitamins A, D, E, and K, and they protect the health of our neurotransmitters. They also contain choline which can help keep your brain in tip-top shape. All of these benefits are associated with the yolks, not the whites! Eggs sometimes get a bad rap because of cholesterol, but it’s been shown that in 70% of people, eggs do not raise cholesterol, so don’t assume they are bad for you. Buy organic eggs and you are really doing the right thing.

Here’s more info on the incredible egg: Everyone Loves Eggs And You Should Too.

Download your free copy of my Radiant Skin Ebook now!

6. Bone Broth

Bone broth is filled with bone marrow and essential fatty acids — these things promote optimal brain health. It also contains glycine, which is an amino acid that helps with memory, concentration, stress, and focus. You can make your own bone broth, but you don’t have to anymore. Bone broth is now available in tons of markets. It’s sold in boxes just like chicken or vegetable broth. The glucosamine in bone broth can reduce inflammation and strengthen the bones. It’s also great for your skin, hair, and nails. This is a great thing to use for a quick soup base, or to just sip on during the day. Sometimes I’ll have a hot cup of bone broth first thing in the morning for a quick healing pick me up.

7. Beets

Beets are SO good for you. I try to find ways to fit them into my meals as much as possible. Really… many times a week. Beets nourish blood and tonify the heart. They help with blood flow to the brain and recent research has shown that they may help fight against dementia. Athletes are starting to drink beet juice as a form of endurance therapy. They are anti-carcinogenic, good for anemia, and they can relieve constipation. I also think it’s a great idea to eat them raw sometimes because their amazing goodness is even more pumped up this way.

8. Blueberries

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been shown to help fight Alzheimers Disease and dementia, as well as cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. In some circles, they are known as “longevity berries.” They help improve memory and also protect brain tissue.

9. Royal Jelly

Royal jelly is a combination of bee pollen and honey. It contains a huge amount of acetylcholine, which helps with concentration and focus. This bee product has been shown to have good results in Alzheimer’s patients. Aside from brain health, royal jelly will also boost your immune system. I like to take a spoonful of royal jelly with a little bit of bee pollen sprinkled on top… here’s to my brain health!

10. Kelp

Kelp noodles are all the rage now. I love them. You can buy a package in the refrigerated section of many markets now. All you do is rinse them in cold water, drain them, and then add your favorite sauce — I like a nice thick spicy curry sauce with mine. Kelp is a vegetable from the sea. It contains a lot of great minerals, including iodine; many people are iodine deficient these days. We need iodine for proper thyroid function, weigh control, brain health, and organ function. Kelp also contains fucose, which is an essential sugar that helps with memory.

So, What Should You Do Next?

This Paleo Blueberry Cobbler is brain-healthy and delicious! Keep scrolling for more ways to use this list of the 10 best foods and herbs to boost memory and concentration…

There are lots of recipes that optimally use the brain boosting foods in this list. But, the easiest way for me to help you get your memory, concentration, and focus in top shape, is if you join me in a free phone consultation. We can chat about exactly what your unique issues are, and I will suggest some great fixes for you. So, CLICK HERE to be taken directly to my calendar and pick your time slot now… really, I can’t wait to meet you!

This recipe for Beet Sweet Potato Soup has beets to feel the blood in your brain, and you can add Chinese herbs to the soup while it’s cooking for extra brain-boosting power.

Blueberry Orange Chia Pudding

June 13, 2018/3 Comments/in Boosting Immune System, Brain Functions, Digestive Health, Elevated Mood, Food Categories, Increased Athletic Performance, Managing Illnesses, Managing Stress, Reduced Aches & Pains, Reduced Inflammation, Weight Management, Youthful Appearance make-ahead, superfoods, chia seeds breakfast, pudding, parfait /by Stacey Isaacs

Make-ahead breakfasts are awesome. Imagine opening your fridge and having blueberry orange chia pudding waiting for you in the morning… it will make you smile.

I’m like a pusher when it comes to chia pudding. I make everyone try it. And, most of them end up loving it. I’m not going to lie though… there are still a few souls I’m trying to win over, but I’m not giving up. I’ve been developing chia puddings in tons of different flavors. And, this blueberry orange chia pudding recipe won over someone who I never thought would ever eat chia pudding. I just love it when stuff like this happens!

I was hosting my book club at my apartment one night. And, I, not surprisingly, used this as an event to test out recipes on unsuspecting people. I made 8 cute little jars of this chia pudding and had them at the ready in my fridge. When book club was over and everyone was gone, I opened the fridge and realized that I had never served the chia puddings — I had intended them to be parting gifts.

Ugh. I cannot even tell you how often I leave food in the fridge and forget to serve it.

That’s why I should never be allowed to drink even one glass of wine while I’m entertaining… nah… that’s not going to happen…

Anyway, I still had all of these lovely blueberry orange chia pudding jars.

The next night I had a few friends over before a meeting we needed to attend. I passed out a few jars. One friend looked at it and at me like I was crazy and said she would take her jar with her to the meeting. I knew this meant she would probably throw it out when I wasn’t looking. Then, I saw her taste it. And a little while into the meeting, the jar was empty. To me, that was a great compliment.

That was 2 jars down.

Confession: I ate the rest of them myself. All of them. Over the next week. Okay, maybe I gave one away. Ugh. Sometimes I can be such a pig…

And, here’s my most popular chia pudding recipe: Birthday Cake Chia Pudding.

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now… let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. So CLICK HERE to be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

Here are some of the awesome healing ingredients in this blueberry orange chia pudding recipe:

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids,and fiber. And, because they are so high in antioxidants, they help keep your skin looking younger. They help optimize both your digestive system and your cardiovascular system.

In Asian medicine, we use coconut to strengthen the body, reduce swelling, and stop bleeding. Coconut kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. And perhaps most importantly, it helps you keep your mind sharp and it makes it easier for you to focus. I like to use full-fat canned coconut milk for this chia pudding.

Pure maple syrup contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation in the body (think inflammatory bowel syndrome or heart disease). It also contains zinc, calcium, and magnesium. It’s much lower on the glycemic scale than traditional sugar. Whenever possible, use a darker (grade B) syrup because the nutritional composition is better than that of lighter syrups.

Maca Root is one of the superfoods I take every day. It has many healthy benefits including increasing libido, helping menopausal symptoms, relieving menstrual cramps, regulating hormones, and increasing energy.

Baobab is a superfood that is a powder made from an African fruit. This amazing superfood has tons of vitamin C to boost your immune system and it’s great for energy. Sometimes I put some in my water bottle to keep my hydrated throughout the day. It’s easy to put a scoop in anything for a pick-me-up.

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been shown to help fight cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. In some circles, they are known as “longevity berries.”

Oranges will help boost your levels of vitamins A, B and C. In Chinese medicine, oranges have been used for many years to help coughs, colds and anorexia. Lately, oranges have been widely touted for their ability to help heal colon cancer. I peel my oranges and lay the rinds in the sun to dry, and save them for tea or for cooking because the orange rinds are an actual Chinese herb. I dry out the peels of oranges, tangerines, clementines… whatever I have. Dried tangerine peel, or “chen pi”, as it’s known in Chinese medicine, is one of the greatest and most easily accessible herbs around. It’s especially good for digestive issues like abdominal discomfort, distention, fullness, bloating, belching, and nausea. It’s also great if you have a cough with a heavy or stuffy chest.

If you make this blueberry orange chia pudding, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Blueberry Orange Chia Pudding

Recipe type: make-ahead, superfoods, chia seeds

Cuisine: breakfast, pudding, parfait

Author: Stacey@Kitchen Of Youth

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 8

Make this recipe the night before and when you open your fridge in the morning it will be waiting for you... this will make you smile.

Ingredients

2 cans full-fat coconut milk
4 tsp vanilla extract
⅔ cup pure maple syrup
½ cup plus 1Tbs chia seeds
4 tsp maca root powder (optional)
1 tsp baobab powder (optional)
1 pint blueberries
flesh or ½ a large orange
zest of half a large orange, to sprinkle on top

Instructions

In a large mason jar with a lid, or a large container with a lid, shake up the coconut milk, vanilla, maple syrup, chia seeds, maca root, and baobab.
Shake, shake, shake... until it's all combined really well.
Put the blueberries and the orange flesh in a blender. If you need a some liquid to get it to move, you can add a few Tbs of orange juice.
Whiz it up shortly until broken down and combined, but not so much that it's watery.
Divide the blueberry mixture among the bottoms of several small jars with lids (I used 8 really small mason jars).
Pour the chia seed mixture evenly on top of the blueberry mixture.
Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Enjoy!

Paleo Blueberry Cobbler

July 27, 2016/10 Comments/in Boosting Energy, Brain Functions, Digestive Health, Managing Stress dessert, paleo American, fruit /by Stacey Isaacs

This paleo blueberry cobbler is an incredibly delicious dessert!

You know when you go to the market looking for organic berries and you have to to a double-take when you see the price? Sometimes I can’t believe what I’m seeing… it’s like I’m being punked or something. But, finally, it’s that time of the year when the price of berries drops down to a reasonable level. Last week, there were blueberries everywhere! And when I checked the price, not only were these gorgeous blueberries affordable, but they were packaged in huge containers. So, I bought 2 containers. I didn’t need to, but I did. Did I tell you these containers were HUGE…

I’m sure it’s happened to you: you get home from the market, and you’re all kinds of smug because you got some great deals, and then you look at what you bought and you have no idea how you are going to use it all up…

Sooooooo, I put some of these gorgeous blueberries in the freezer. And I ate a lot of them right out of the container. And I made coconut yogurt parfaits. And a smoothie bowl. And then, I made this paleo blueberry cobbler. It’s just awesome. I made more than we could eat, so we ate half, and I froze the other half. Yesterday, I defrosted the frozen cobbler and when I ate it today, it’s just as awesome. And surprisingly, it tastes just as good cold as it did warm.

I’m on a big customized-recipe-creation kick right now (okay… always…), so let me customize a recipe for you that will work for whatever’s going on in your body now… I’m such a geek that I really do get excited about doing this. I’ve got a dessert recipe with your name on it… So CLICK HEREto be taken directly into my calendar to sign up for your free phone consultation.

Here’s my recipe for Berry Fig Yogurt Parfait, that you can make with your extra berries.

This cobbler is so good for you:

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been shown to help fight cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. In some circles, they are known as “longevity berries.”

Coconut strengthens the body, reduces swelling, and stops bleeding. It kills viruses, bacteria, and parasites. It’s good for all types of infections and viruses in the body, including the flu, bronchitis, tapeworms, urinary tract infections, and herpes. There’s coconut flour, coconut oil, and coconut sugar in this recipe.

Cashews are really a multi-tasking nut. I use them all the time so I say it all the time: Cashews have a lower fat content than most other nuts. Most of the fat in cashews is unsaturated and is made up of oleic acid; this is the same acid that is found in olive oil, making these nuts a heart-healty choice. I used cashew milk in this cobbler, but you can substitute whatever non-dairy milk you like.

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Tapioca is a starch that comes from the cassava plant. It’s not really a flour in the traditional sense; it’s grain and gluten free. It’s good for your circulation and your digestion. Oftentimes I will make recipes (like this one) with tapioca flour — it crisps things up well and it works as a great thickener too.

If you make this Paleo Blueberry Cobbler recipe, please be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love hearing how you like a recipe, and I love to answer your questions! If you make it, be sure to take a photo and tag me and post it on Instagram.

Paleo Blueberry Cobbler

5.0 from 1 reviews

Recipe type: dessert, paleo

Cuisine: American, fruit

Author: Stacey @There's A Cook In My Kitchen

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 65 mins

Total time: 1 hour 10 mins

Serves: 6

This paleo blueberry cobbler is so refreshing. It also freezes well... and the ingredients are so healing... this one's a keeper... it's summer on a plate!

Ingredients

3 Tbs coconut oil
1 cup coconut flour
1-1/2 cups cashew milk (substitute almond milk or another non-dairy milk if you prefer)
⅓ cup coconut sugar, plus extra for sprinkling on the top
½ tsp baking soda
¼ cup hemp seeds
1-1/4 cups tapioca flour
juice of ½ a lemon
¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
¼ tsp sea salt
2-1/4 cups fresh blueberries

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Put the coconut oil in a baking pan (mine was 9x9-in.), and put the pan in the oven to melt the oil while the oven is heating.
In a large bowl, combine the coconut flour, cashew milk, coconut sugar, baking soda, hemp seeds, tapioca flour, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Stir until combined.
Spread this batter into the baking dish with the melted coconut oil.
Pour the blueberries over the batter and press them into the batter.
Sprinkle the top with coconut sugar.
Bake until golden and a bit crisp. (Mine took 1 hour and 5 minutes.)
Remove from oven and let the pan cool a bit on a rack.
Enjoy!

Acai Bowl

March 17, 2016/2 Comments/in Boosting Energy, Boosting Immune System, Brain Functions, Digestive Health, Elevated Mood, Increased Athletic Performance, Managing Illnesses, Managing Stress, Reduced Aches & Pains, Reduced Inflammation, Weight Management, Youthful Appearance smoothie bowl, breakfast superfoods /by Stacey Isaacs

You are going to like this acai bowl better than the ones you buy!

Yesterday, I was scrolling through Facebook and I saw an article about Gwyneth Paltrow and her favorite superfoods shake. I was excited to read this because, well, I just am a sucker for anyone’s superfoods shake (especially someone who looks like Gwyneth). So, I clicked on the link and I was taken to an irate blogger talking about how all of the ingredients in this shake are made-up and fake and that no one could ever really make this “fantasy” shake. Boy, was I annoyed. I use almost all of these ingredients on a daily basis and I think everyone would benefit from their use!! And now, so many people think they don’t exist!

So, here’s my love-letter-to-Gwyneth-Paltow’s-smoothie. It’s my favorite superfoods non-fantasy smoothie bowl. And, if you have trouble locating any of the ingredients, just look at my recipe below and I will point you to some links, or just send me a message and I’m happy to help.

This winter my absolute favorite breakfast was my Hot Chocolate Smoothie Bowl. But since It’s finally getting spring-like here, my favorite breakfast is a cold smoothie bowl. I just love these bowls. I make so many different kinds, depending upon my mood at the time.

This acai bowl is awesome. It’s easy to make, filled with superfoods, pretty, and tastes divine!

Let this recipe test your flexibility. No, I don’t mean physically (you don’t need to do yoga or stretches while you make it…) — I mean mentally. Use my recipe as a guide, and then feel free to change it up with whatever ingredients you are feeling in the mood for this morning. Remember, it’s only food; nothing bad can happen with this bowl!

Sometimes I make these bowls out of whatever frozen fruit I have in my freezer. Other times I’m really in a chocolate or a peanut butter mood. This time, I wanted acai. Acai is really healthy (see the health benefits listed below) and it has a great tart and sweet taste. Also, now that many markets sell frozen acai packets, these smoothie bowls are a breeze to make.

Here are some reasons to feel great about this breakfast:

Acai is a berry that’s from the Amazon rainforest. It’s a superfood that promotes longevity. Research shows that acai can help to regenerate stem cells; this means it can help your body heal faster. Acai can also help the body absorb bad cholesterol better and it has been shown to help attack cancer cells.

Blueberries are filled with antioxidants and have been shown to help fight cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. In some circles, they are known as “longevity berries.” I used frozen blueberries but use any variety of berry that you like.

Cherries are one of the best foods to combat many types of arthritis and joint pain. Also, because cherries help improve circulation, they can be helpful for post-stroke patients. In Chinese medicine, we also believe that cherries help to maintain the body’s “essence” or life-force. I always keep a bottle of organic black cherry juice in the fridge and I often drink a few ounces before bedtime or put a little in my smoothies. I also keep bags of frozen cherries in the freezer. And when fresh cherries are in season, you can always find a big bowl in my kitchen.

Ginger is a Chinese herb (Gan Jiang) that warms the body. It’s especially good during cold weather and also during seasonal changes. So, when it’s winter or when winter is trying to turn into spring, and we (those of us on the east coast) get some of these cold, raw, damp days, ginger will make you feel better and will help boost your immune system. Old folklore shows that ginger was rubbed on scalps to stop baldness. And, in some circles, a ginger paste is still rubbed on arthritic joints to stop pain (don’t try this at home unless you are diagnosed with a cold-condition by an acupuncturist).

Hemp seeds are a superfood. They are high in protein, easily digestible, and contain a full complement of amino acids. They contain disease-fighting phytonutrients that are good for your blood, immune system, tissues and skin. Hemp contains a specific fatty acid that acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory. It also helps balance hormones, making it a great choice to fight the symptoms of PMS. This super seed is also good for your liver and your brain.

Chia seeds are ancient seeds that got their name from the Mayan word for “strength”. These tiny seeds have the unique ability to turn liquid into a gel-like substance when making puddings and they are great added to smoothies and shakes. They are really good for you because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and fiber.

Chaga mushrooms are a longevity superfood. I use a chaga mushroom extract powder that makes it easy to add this immune-system-boosting mushroom to my smoothies. There’s a lot of research being done on the power of chaga right now and it’s possible ability to help fight cancer. It’s also good for your intestinal system and it can help calm your nerves. (See the recipe below for where to buy this amazing ingredient.)

Acai Bowl

Recipe type: smoothie bowl, breakfast

Cuisine: superfoods

Author: Stacey @There's A Cook In My Kitchen

Prep time: 5 mins

Total time: 5 mins

Serves: 1 large bowl

Here's the perfect breakfast smoothie bowl. It's so healthy, tastes delicious, is made in the blender, and it's easy to substitute whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients

1 3.5 oz packet frozen acai
½ cup frozen blueberries
½ of a banana (mine was frozen, but it doesn't have to be)
6 Tbs coconut water
1 slice of fresh ginger, peeled (about ⅛-inch thick, the size of a quarter)
2 Tbs hemp seeds (I like this one)
1 Tbs chia seeds (these are good)
1 tsp maca root powder (you can get it here)
⅛ tsp chaga mushroom extract powder (you can try this one)
1 Tbs raw cashews
2 Tbs black cherry juice (here's one)
optional toppings: frozen raspberries, bee pollen, raw buckwheat groats, raw pumpkin seeds, raisins, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, shredded coconut

Instructions

Put all ingredients, except toppings, in a blender. I used my Vitamix, so it was quick; I assume it will take a bit longer in a regular blender.
Pour into a bowl.
Arrange the toppings on top.
Enjoy and let the healing begin!