Healthier Acai Bowl Recipe: High in Protein, Low in Sugar   

Introduction

Several years ago, I had my first acai bowl in a beach town near Ocean City, Maryland. Man was it good, with the fresh fruit, granola and drizzle of honey. No doubt it was packed with flavor…the problem is that it was also packed with sugar. So when I got back from vacation, I set out to create a healthier version of the acai bowl while still maintaining the awesome flavor. What I’m sharing with you here is what I came up with after several iterations. It not only has significantly less sugar, but it’s also packed with protein and collagen, making it great for breakfast or lunch. I eat this at least 3-4 times per week.  

Acai Berries: The Superfood from South America: 

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk a bit about acai berries, the star of this recipe. Native to the rainforests of South America, these small, grape-like fruits are harvested from acai palm trees and have a unique taste, described as a blend of chocolate and berries with a slight metallic aftertaste​​. Acai berries are known as a superfood, owing to their numerous potential health benefits. These berries contain antioxidants, which may boost heart health, improve memory, and even offer protection against cancer. They are also rich in fatty acids and have a higher antioxidant content than many other popular berries​. Consuming acai berries may help reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels in people with excess weight​.[1]

Ingredients for a Healthier Acai Bowl

Now that we’ve highlighted the incredible benefits of acai berries, let’s see how we can incorporate them into a nourishing and delicious meal. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for a healthier, protein-packed acai bowl:

1. Organic Unsweetened Acai Packets: It is critical to use organic unsweetened acai packets.  These have zero grams of sugar compared 12 grams to the sweetened version.  Sambazon is a popular brand which you can find a specialty grocery stores or online.  I often get mine from Wild Fork.

Here is an amazon link so you can see what I’m talking about:

  

2. Whey Protein Powder: I use a Vanilla Ice Cream flavored Whey protein power (24g protein).  I would recommend you stick with vanilla flavor for this recipe, you can use whatever brand you prefer.   

3. Collagen Peptides: I use this particular brand which is a great source of protein and promotes skin, hair, and joint health.

4. Granola: The choice of granola can significantly affect the sugar content of your acai bowl. I use Backroads Granola, a Vermont-made product that’s both low in sugar and high in flavor. You can find it at local specialty grocery stores, often sold by the pound.

 

5. Organic Peanut Butter: Adds a creamy, protein-packed punch to your acai bowl. I prefer the organic version available at Costco, but feel free to use your favorite brand.

 

6. Unsweetened Coconut Milk: This is my go-to for blending the acai bowl ingredients, but you can substitute with your preferred type of milk or dairy-free alternative.

 

7. Cinnamon:  I love cinnamon.  Nothing special here, just the brand I get from Costco 

 

8. Optional Toppings (although I never skip these): Cacao nibs for a bit of crunch and antioxidant boost, unsweetened shredded coconut for texture, bee pollen for a hint of sweetness and an array of nutrients, and raw local honey to drizzle on top for a touch of natural sweetness. 

 

Wrapping up:

Let me know what you think of the recipe and whether you found any additions that made it even better! I’m always interested in hearing your feedback and suggestions. Enjoy your healthier, low-sugar acai bowl!  

 

References:

1. Native to the rainforests of South America: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324093

 

 

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