A convenient, healthy nutritious snack on the go. Eat brighter, live lighter. Eat fruit, keep fit and be a hit. Today’s teenagers have to eat to live, not live to eat!
Acai berries (pronounced ah-sai-ee) are the fruits of acai palm trees. These small, dark-purple berries pack a nutrient punch with a whole host of antioxidants, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Brazilians call them the “Beauty Berry,” acai berries truly do the body good from the inside out, with health benefits such as increased energy levels, a boosted immune system, improved metabolic function and better hair and skin. Not only is this superfood incredibly good for you, but it’s also delicious (it kind of tastes like dark chocolate!). One of the most popular ways to eat these berries is in an acai bowl, where puréed acai berries are garnished with a variety of toppings, such as sliced bananas, strawberries, oats or nuts. Look for them in the frozen foods section of your grocery store today and make the most healthiest lunchbox snack you have ever tried!
Why is an Acai Bowl healthy?
An Acai Bowl is healthy because according to the Dietary Guidelines and the Australian
Healthy Food Pyramid it states that the average teenager is to have at least 2- 3 servings of fruit a day. The Acai bowl includes at least the required daily serving of fruit as well as a protein source and half the recommended calcium/dairy intake required daily of that of a teenager. Tips:-Depending on what you put on the top of your Acai, it can include a good source of protein: eg. Oats, Nuts, Peanut Butter, Pumpkin seeds, seeds etc or a protein powder.
The three major components and health benefits of an Acai Bowl are;
- Bananas
- high levels of tryptophan to help combat depression
- aids in weight loss
- strengthens the immune system
- high in fibre and potassium
- helps to lower blood pressure
- super high in anti-oxidants
- rich in healthy omega-6 and omega-9 fats
- 1 teaspoon contains 15% DV of vitamin C
- 1 teaspoon contains 4% DV of vitamin A
- good source of B vitamins and minerals
3. Almond Milk
- helps to regulate cholesterol and blood pressure
- energy booster
- loaded with calcium and fibre
- 1/4 cup contains 8 grams of vegan protein
- high in anti-oxidants
How to make the best Acai Bowl ever –
Ingredients
Base
2 cups frozen strawberries
2 frozen bananas
4 tablespoons acai powder or acai puree 100g
1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice), plus more as needed
Toppings
Option 1 Protein Boost
Banana, oats, chia seeds & peanut butter
Option 2 Berry Blast
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberry’s, blackberry’s & pumpkin seeds
Option 3 Sweet Treat
Kiwi fruit, pineapple, honey, chia seeds and passionfruit
The sky is the limit, whatever you feel like or what ever you have in your fridge or pantry, place on top of the acai mixture to give it an increased health benefit and approach to ‘just eat real food!’
Method
STEP 1 Add the acai in the blender with banana, mix for 30 seconds.
STEP 2 Add almond or coconut milk to break it down. Stop the blender when your acai mixture looks like a yogurt consistency.
STEP 3 Carefully chop your toppings up and place on top of acai mixture.
STEP 4 Enjoy.
Tip: If wanting a refreshing colder summertime snack, use frozen acai berries and frozen bananas. It tastes better and is much healthier than ice-cream.
Some teenagers resort to poor food choices especially when selecting snacks, when on the run. Unil now-
How can a Acai Bowl help?-
Eat simple it simply heals, eat well, feel well, look well!
Acai Bowls only take around 3- 5 minutes to create. They are convenient, nutritious, fresh and healthy and very appealing to a teenager. The acai bowl includes nearly every colour of the rainbow from all the fruits placed on top, so it not only looks good but tastes great too! How can you go wrong especially when you are on the run.
My hypothesis is that teenagers are going to love and enjoy an Acai bowl because it is quick and easy and affordable for every student. At only $3.50 for a small or $5.00 for a large, its a healthy snack eating real food. I love them and I’m sure you will too!