TrainerTiff: How to Make an Açaí Bowl

Thursday, September 4, 2014

How to Make an Açaí Bowl

Looking for a breakfast swap, or a snack? Then you must try making an açaí bowl.

Now, let me rewind for a minute.

Maybe you've never heard of these bowls -- and if you don't live in California or on the west coast, you may not have.
Açaí, pronounced ah-sigh-ee, is a berry that has its origins in the Amazon of Brazil. These berries are highly nutritious. They're loaded with omega-3s, amino acids and antioxidants.
You can buy frozen packets of açaí at most natural grocery stores or Whole Foods. Be sure to get the unsweetened variety because you don't need extra sugar. If need be, you can add your own honey once you make the bowl if you need a little sweetness. Adding your own sweetener will allow you to control the level of processed sugar in it.

So, how do you make these bowls?

Ingredients:

Here's what the packet of açaí looks like:

1 packet frozen açaí

1/4 cup of coconut water (less or more depending on how thick you want your base)

1/4 cup to 1/2 cup granola (again depending on how much you want)

1 tsp chia seeds (optional -- I like to add them for extra nutrients sometimes)

1/2 frozen banana

1 cup frozen mixed berries

4-5 strawberries, sliced

1/2 banana, sliced

1/4 cup blueberries

Directions:
Place coconut water in blender with açaí packet, all frozen fruit and chia seeds. Blend until desired consistency. If you like it a tad more thick, like I do, start with just a little splash of coconut water and add more as you see fit. Pour mixture into a bowl, and top with fresh fruit and granola. At this point, taste and see if you want to a add a drizzle of honey on top.