Açaí bowls have been all the rage lately. With a new Açaí shop popping up on every corner its hard not to have heard about this fruit. However, if you are buying an Açaí bowl at one of these shops, it is crucial to ask what ingredients they use (both in the base and also in the Açaí itself). Best case scenario the shop uses unsweetened frozen Açaí and blends the packet with fresh, unsweetened fruit. Unfortunately, I have found this to be rare. Many places use sweetened Açaí packets blended with fruit or even just straight up Açaí sorbet. While Açaí is extremely nutritious, when is covered in sugar it might hinder your health goals.
To avoid the uncertainty of accidentally ordering a sugar-filled Açaí bowl, I love to make my own. Sometimes I will blend the Açaí packet with bananas and frozen fruit, sometimes bananas and greens. Other times, when I am looking to make a lower carb version (like today) I will blend the frozen packet with an avocado for a bit of creaminess, unsweetened frozen fruit for a little sweetness and Further Food Collagen for a protein boost to keep me feeling full and satisfied for longer! Collagen is a great addition to any acai bowl-it blends right in without changing the creamy texture, and you get lots of added health benefits such as improved digestion and stronger bones and joints.
After I decide what I want the base to be, the next step is simple, top with whatever your heart desires, within reason ;). My favorite Açaí bowl toppings are granola (either homemade granola, which is just oats and dates pulsed together, or if I am feeling a little lazy I will use a store bought granola) and fresh fruit. This Mango Açaí Bowl is the perfect breakfast or lunch!
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