Ever want ice cream for breakfast? I do, and sometimes it takes quite a bit of convincing to tell myself that even though I can, it doesn’t mean I should… Being an adult means not inhaling that pint of Ben & Jerry’s goodness at the crack of dawn. But that doesn’t mean the first meal of the day can’t be fun.
As a matter of fact, I’ve found that viewing it as a delicious and exciting element of your morning routine can really make you look forward to the meal. It feels easy to skip breakfast, but recent studies have found that it may be linked to poor heart health. And for me personally, I have found that it leads to decreased energy at work and at the gym, and overeating during dinner. To quote a wise friend of mine, “Eat breakfast like a king, and dinner like a pauper”.
So, a great way to choose “breaking the fast” over a few extra minutes in bed is to make something you actually want to eat, and this vegan, paleo smoothie bowl certainly does the trick. The rich, creamy, cool texture of this dish is invigorating, and the bowl presentation feels more substantial than the traditional smoothie cup style. I love getting artsy with my food, and this recipe gives you a lot creative freedom to decorate your bowl however you like.
Cacao is an amazing alternative to processed chocolate, and is sure to nip any sweet-tooth cravings in the bud. Also, unlike most forms of chocolate (besides dark chocolate), its totally paleo diet friendly! Added bonus: cacao is rich in antioxidants.
Have leftovers? Save it for a late-night snack as a dessert. You’ll feel a lot better eating this over products with processed or added sugar, and your stomach will barely tell the difference!
The other ingredients also provide a great nutritional start to your day, such as protein-rich almond butter and milk, over a serving of fresh fruit, and pure coconut oil rich in MCT’s. This blend of healthy foods is far more filling than a white-flour laden muffin or sugary cereal, and actually adds sustenance, compared to empty calories. This breakfast tastes great, looks great, and is great for you: a win-win-win!
Ingredients:
- 2 bananas (chopped)
- 3 cubes ice
- 1 tablespoon hazelnut-flavored almond butter
- 3/4 cup almond milk
- 4 tablespoons cacao powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons Roots and All Coconut Oil, to taste
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Suggested Toppings: cacao nibs, dark chocolate shards, fresh fruit, coconut, quinoa, hazelnuts, chia seeds, edible flowers, or almonds.
How to Make it:
- Blend all ingredients (besides toppings) on high until smooth.
- Garnish with desired toppings!
What toppings did you use? Show us how you decorated yours with the hashtag #tryrootsandall!