Recently, I returned home from yoga to find a huge box on our doorstep. In this box, I found a Vitamix. For me. From my husband. I feel like an official vegan now. An official vegan with the most amazing partner anyone could ever ask for. It's not just this gift, though. Have you seen his photography (all over this site)? Or heard him sing (and sometimes rap)? Or witnessed his spot-on Christopher Walken impersonation (Don't ask him to do Adam Sandler. Please.)? Chris is pretty awesome, but I digress.
The reason for the Vitamix is that my Cuisinart blender and I had a falling out. I don't want to go into too much detail but there were many profanities uttered (from me) and my kitchen was filled with much smoke (from her). She endured all of my smoothie-making like a pro, but I think it's because I never used all that much frozen fruit. She was fine with a frozen banana and an ice cube or two, but much more than that would make her grumble. Imagine her dismay when I decided that I wanted to make Acai Bowls for breakfast every morning.
Acai bowls are basically smoothies, made with acai berries (which are sold, pureed, in individual serving packets. Be sure to get the unsweetened kind, with no citric acid or other ingredients added. It should be 100% acai berries.), with other fruit and usually a juice or milk, topped with granola and fresh fruit. I never thought anything could deter me from my 4-year-long oatmeal-for-breakfast-routing, but I was wrong. I wrote here about how Acai Bowls in Maui totally rocked my world. It wasn't just that eating them was a mind-blowing experience, but I felt amazing all day afterwards. I felt so balanced and healthy and satisfied for hours after. I spoke to the gals at Choice quite a bit about their bowls, and they are like walking encyclopedias when it comes to super foods. They don't stop with the super fruit, acai, they pack their bowl full of super nutrient-dense ingredients. When we returned home, I though "How hard could it be to recreate that everyday?" We can get the ingredients and we already have a blender, so we're set!
My blender was not on board. As much as Chris thinks it's adorable and hilarious (his words, not mine) during the rare times that I get pissed off a little heated, he took the cue from the smoke in our kitchen that it was time to upgrade. Once the Vitamix came into my life, it was on! I've tried quite a few combinations, but right now, this is my favorite, and it is full of super-good-for-you ingredients. Because I like lists, I'm going to break-down all the nutritional benefits from these super ingredients here:
- Hemp, Flax, and Chia Seeds- from my Super Seed Trifecta Granola, and you can read about how good they are for you here.
- Acai Berries- have amazing energizing and antioxidant (free-radical killers/cancer preventers) powers. They help produce blood cells and aid in detoxifying the body.
- Coconut Milk- besides being rich in many valuable minerals (iron, magnesium, potassium to name a few), it is packed with vitamin C, the B vitamins, and has more calcium than dairy milk or almond milk. If that wasn't enough, it is very high in lauric acid, which kills bacteria in the body and aids in digestion.
Cacao Nibs- an antioxidant powerhouse! It contains tons of dietary fiber and is one of the highest dietary sources of magnesium. Oh, and it's where chocolate comes from! Does it get any better?- Goji Berries- mega antioxidant capabilites and thought to slow the aging process. And their bright red color is so gorgeous!
- Kale- a staple in your healthy eating lifestyle. Renowned for its antioxidant abilities, high levels of vitamins C and K, has more iron than beef (per calorie), this inflamation-fighter has recently been named the most nutritious food!
- Maca Powder- made from a Peruvian root, this super food is super smart: It adapts to provide your body with what you need when you injest it. If you're fatigued, it boosts your energy. If you're anxious, it levels you out. It provides endurance and stamina. In addition to countless essential vitamins and minerals, it is packed with amino acids.
All of that super-healthy-goodness, packed into a beautiful bowl and served with a spoon.
SUPER MANGO PINEAPPLE ACAI BOWL
makes 1 bowl
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut milk (from the carton, not the can) or other vegan milk- 1/2 banana
- 3/4 cup loosely packed kale, chopped
- 1/2 heaping cup frozen mango
- 1/2 heaping cup frozen pineapple
- 1 acai packet
- 1 heaping tsp maca powder
- 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup Super Seed Trifecta Granola (or granola of your choice), separated
- 1/2 banana, thinly sliced
- 3-4 strawberries, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh mango, chopped (or other fresh fruit of your choice)
- 1 T goji berries
- 2 tsp cacao nibs
- 1 tsp hemp hearts (shelled hemp seeds)
Instructions:
- Choose the bowl that you are going to serve the acai bowl in, and place it in the freezer (optional, but this will keep the smoothie colder longer).
- Prepare your toppings, such as the slicing the strawberries and the half banana. Set aside.
Combine the first 7 ingredients in your high-speed blender, and puree until smooth. You may need to scrape the sides a few times or stir it to break up clumps. This will be a thick smoothie.
- Remove the bowl from the freezer and pour 1/4 cup granola into the bottom of the bowl. Gently pour the smoothie on top of the granola (If the smoothie has started to liquify, you may want to place the blender canister in the freezer for about five minutes before pouring into the bowl). Top with the 1/2 cup of granola and sliced fruit. Sprinkle the goji berries, cacao nibs, and hemp seeds on top of the fruit and serve immediately. Enjoy!
Imagine starting your day with something this beautiful and delicious and then add in the super-powered feeling you have all day just from eating it. It can be yours. Go give your blender a workout!
All Photos taken by Chris Miller
© Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material (content and images) without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kristy Turner and Keepin' It Kind with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Cadry
This looks like the perfect summer-morning breakfast! I like the addition of granola. I love smoothies, but having something to crunch on and chew will make it feel more like a meal. Somehow I don't think I've eaten acai, even though it's been widely touted as a superfood.
I know your happiness where the Vitamix is concerned! When mine arrived, I wanted to hug it. I'd waited so long to buy it, because the price tag is on the high side for a blender. However, I haven't had a single second of regret. It gets used multiple times a day. (I love how easy it is to clean! My old blender was always taking up gobs of space in the dishwasher. With the rinse and run method, it's always clean and ready!) You've got a good husband! 🙂
keepinitkind
You should definitely let your Vitamix try this one out! You are so right- The Vitamix is just the best gift I've ever received. I use it constantly and it just amazes me how different it is from my other blender. You can't beat the cleaning method either- It's actually fun to clean it! And you're also right about Chris- he's a great husband, though it sounds like David is a pretty great partner for you as well! 🙂
Caitlin
i used to eat an acai bowl about seven years ago for breakfast every morning with a banana and granola on top. it was SO GOOD. this reminds me of it...DELICIOUS!
and chris is one awesome husband. i love hearing about happy marriages <3 sometimes i feel like i'm the only one who is in one 😉
keepinitkind
Thanks, Caitlin! I feel like since we both have such great husbands, we should double date. I'm sure I could convince Chris to have an early dinner with you and Dayv. 🙂
Caitlin
that would be the best double date ever. it's happening. (hopefully sooner than later :P)
keepinitkind
Yay! 🙂
Heather
I have to try this Acai bowl out - I have been hearing so much about them lately!
You are a lucky lucky lady to come home to a vitamixer - amazing!!! Maybe i should accidentally set my kitchen aide blender on fire so I can have one magically appear on my doorstop from Justin 🙂
keepinitkind
You're pretty clever, Heather. I like that about you. It sounds like a tricky plan, but if all goes well, you could end up with a new blender on your hands! 😉
I think you should try it out- they're so great on warm mornings!
Annie
Seriously - it looks like delicious fuel for all day. Amazing.
keepinitkind
Isn't it amazing how when you achieve a perfect balance in your nutrient intake, you feel more properly fueled throughout the day? This is definitely my new fave breakfast!
Richa@HobbyandMore
that is one loaded bowl of breakfast goodness! Happy vitamixing! I got a Blendtec - vitamix's bro and darn that thing blends! the most fun i have had is while grinding my own flour, feeling the warm freshly ground flour and making the house smell like a flour mill. blisss. i havent tried maca yet, but everything else goes in some form or the other in some breakfast options but not all together. this is just a superfood must. Those pictures are gorgeous as ever. i am sure you are balancing all the love with all this delicious food:)
keepinitkind
Thank you, Richa! There is so much I need to try with the new toy- flours, milks, nut butters! I'm just overwhelmed with excitement!
I love that phrase: "Balancing all the love with all this delicious food." That is such a great way to explain what Chris and I are doing. Thank you! 🙂
Bex @ Vegan Sparkles
YUMMMM!!! Oh my WOW, this will put all the other photos on my Pinterest boards to shame! I can't wait to try this!
keepinitkind
Hahahaha! I can't wait for you to try it either, Bex!
Willow
This sounds like the perfect breakfast! I haven't seen those acai packets, but I'll have to look for them now! I'll definitely have tot ry this, thanks for sharing! 🙂
keepinitkind
Thanks- it is so much the perfect way to start the day. I've found the packets at Whole Foods, in the frozen fruit section, usually where the juice concentrates are. I hope that helps!
Brandon
Great recipe and good info. I've been eating acai bowls for a decade now and they are one of my favorite foods. If you are in the midwest, northeast or mid-atlantic look for Amafruits Acai in the freezer section of stores, they are my favorite acai, definitely thicker and richer in flavor than the others I've tried. You can find online also.
keepinitkind
They are one of my favorites too! Amafruits, eh? I will be on the lookout for it, though I am on the west coast. I particularly like Amazon (I think that's what it's called. Thanks for the heads up, Brandon!
Gabby @ the veggie nook
Holy geez I missed so much good stuff on here while I was gone! This breakfast looks stellar- so much goodness packed in and I can only imagine it tastes delicious. I'm going to have to keep my eyes peeled for those acai packets!
keepinitkind
Welcome back, Gabby! All the goodness is just right here (in that bowl) waiting for ya! 🙂
Michelle
I've never really been into granola but that's because I think its because the stores have too much sugar...ill have to look at yours ... I use Sambazon's in my smoothie a few times a week.
I got a Vitamix for Christmas from MIL then New Years Macy's had the Pro on sale 40% off so almost same price so I exchanged it.... its like a combo blendtec/Vitamix combined lol I love it...
you'll use it so much....we have the dry container as well to make flours/bread but that doesn't get used too much.....
keepinitkind
You have a really nice MIL! We got the Vita-prep 3, and it's like my new sidekick. We do everything together! 😛 I need to look into that dry container. You can't make flours in the regular container (I haven't tried yet)?
Michelle
Dry has different blade but I was lazy last week and made oat flour out of the regular one ...
Yes awesome MIL lol
I like the pro because it has both pre select buttons and regular dial.
For us lazy Vegans lol
keepinitkind
Awesome! Good to know- thank you! It's so nice to meet someone who is so excited about vegan cooking! 🙂
Michelle
Oh my word....this is awesome! What a great bowl
keepinitkind
Did you try it- with the granola you made last night? It's a game changer! I never thought anything could deter me from my oatmeal, but I can't get enough of this stuff!
Michelle
Yep it was great!
Im a big oatmeal persontoo hubby loves his cereal I doubled this and gave him half....awesomeness occurred
keepinitkind
Awesome! I usually double it too, when Chris is around for breakfast. Chris is also a cereal guy (thus the reason for making our own now), but he adores these bowls as much as, or more than, I do!
Lysa
oh my...it looks so delicious!!!
keepinitkind
Thank you, Lysa!
Somer
I don't know how you lived for so long as a vegan without a high estrogen blender!!! Yay for Chris!!! I got mine the first month I went veg and as it's a blendtec, it notified me today that I have used it a total of 407 times in the last 6 months. Obsessed much?!?
I was waiting (literally) for you to re-vamp the acai bowl! Now I don't have to figure it out on my own. We usually do a green smoothie for breakfast and a little bowl of muesli. So we are pretty much eating the same sort of thing now anyway. Time to superfood- supercharge it!
keepinitkind
Hahaha! High estrogen blender! I love that! I don't know how I went so long with out her either- it was the price holding me back. I kept telling Chris it wasn't necessary. But then it became necessary (THANK GOODNESS!).
I'm loving my new super-charged breakfast. I have to say- I have more energy and feel healthier than I have in ages!
Somer
Hehe! So glad you are feeling well! Superfoods rock! I'm pairing back my food budget a bit because it's been so out of control, but as soon as I rear things in I'm budgeting for the Acai berries! I have everything else on hand- which tells you why my grocery budget is out of control... 😉
keepinitkind
I feel ya. I TOTALLY feel ya- groceries are probably my highest bill (aside from rent), though, my healthcare costs are going down. Since becoming vegan, I've been able to cut my medication dosage (I'm severely hypoglycemic) in half! Not nearly as many doctor visits or sick days. It's the payoff, I guess. 🙂
Michelle
Ok I made this again after our spin class....I love this...had extra so my 5 yo had a mini smoothie.... score....
Michelle
Oh and Logan says this ia his favorite smoothie! I must make it again for his smoothie rotation HA
keepinitkind
You have a way of just making my day, Michelle! So happy that Logan liked it!
keepinitkind
So awesome!
Bex @ Vegan Sparkles
I can't stop stalking the photos of this bliss bowl! hehe. It looks just heavenly!
keepinitkind
Hahahahaha! I imagine it's a mini-escape from your winter? 😉
celia
This looks so delicious ! I love your blog. All of your recipes and photographs are so interesting.
keepinitkind
Thank you so much, Celia! I can't wait to spend more time checking out your blog as well! 🙂
Amber
Hi there,
I live in Melbourne as well and am so happy I found this recipe! I am from LA and moved here recently, and am having a hard time finding the ingredients you listed (namely the coconut milk in a carton and the acai).
Can you share where you buy your ingredients?
Thank you!
keepinitkind
Hi Amber!
I am so happy you found this recipe too! I usually buy my coconut milk at Trader Joe's or Whole Foods, but I think it should be available at most health food stores, usually with other boxed milks, like soy milk. The same goes for the acai packets, but in the freezer section. If you can't find the coconut milk, any non-dairy milk would work in it's place (I often use almond), and the acai could be replaced with some frozen mixed berries. I hope that helps! Enjoy! 🙂
Rebecca
Hi there! Stumbled upon your smoothie bowl recipes while on Pinterest and (Lemme just break internet etiquette here because it calls for all caps...) OH MY GOODNESS... They seriously look so delicious, I HAVE to try! I love anything sweet, cold, & thick... So this will feel like dessert for breakfast!
Anyways, I wanted to ask, could I use acai berry powder instead of the frozen purée? I'm looking on Amazon to order it, and most of the frozen ones have citric acid in them... But there are a coupe powders that are 100% acai. And if I could use the powder, would it be about a teaspoon? Or 2? Thanks for the recipes I'm looking forward to giving these a try!
keepinitkind
I've actually never tried acai powder. The acai packet makes up part of the bulk of the smoothie, in addition to adding flavor. I use Amazon Planet (purchased at Whole Foods) and it has no citric acid. I share my thoughts on that matter and my tips for smoothie bowls here: https://keepinitkind.com/my-favorite-acai-bowl-tips-tricks-for-a-stellar-smoothie-bowl/
Good luck! 🙂
Nicole
Just made you bowl! (: I didn't have coconut milk or any milk so i used water and added some honey. I'm a fan (: