Banana Berry Smoothie Bowl

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It's a rare occasion that my husband has a weekday off! In fact, most mornings I have no idea what he eats for breakfast because he leaves the house at 3:30 AM while I'm still in bed.

Since this morning was different, I thought I'd try my hand at a smoothie bowl! As he launched to take the girls to school, I decided that I wasn't going to spend time putting the dishes away first like I typically do. Nope, today I was going to make the time and take the time to whip up a colorful and delicious smoothie bowl for both of us! He enjoys cow's milk and I enjoy almond, but only had coconut milk on hand.

My plan was to wait for him so so we could have breakfast together, but I have 14 days to go until I'm due with baby #3 and EXTREMELY hungry! Not sure I can hold out much longer...I am typing this as I eat. Have you been there before? Had someone in your belly telling you you'd better eat or strangely you might get ill if you don't? That's how I was beginning to feel- sick!

So, I'm eating and feeling MUCH better!

I've known about this recipe for a few years and just never made it. It's funny though because I actually had all of the ingredients on hand, right down to the chia seeds! It's not often that happens.

​Speaking of chia seeds, did you know that they are powerful little superfoods? The really do pack a punch and are one of the most popular superfoods in the health community. I was recently reading about them and learned that in the Mayan language (chia was originally grown in Mexico) chia means "strength". In fact, Mayan warriors would use them as fuel during battle.

The seeds were valued for their medicinal properties and nutritional value for several reasons. Here are just a few:

1. Nutritional Profile:
Chia is high in both Omega-3s and Omega-6s, as well as calcium.

2. Help Promote Bowel Regularity and Healthy Stool:
Chia is super high in fiber (roughly 11 grams per ounce) which our bodies must have in order to balance insulin levels. The fiber content can help us feel fuller faster because the seeds absorb the water and expand into a gelatinous substance in the stomach. The gelatin-like consistency occurs because of the soluble fiber in the seeds and it can work like a prebiotic supporting the creation and growth of probiotics in our guts.
** Be sure to drink plenty of water during the day if you eat them before they are in their gelatinous state because they will absorb water from your body.

3. Help Treat Diabetes:
Since chia is rich in alpha-linolenic acid and fiber, studies have shown how these tiny seeds can help prevent metabolic disorders like insulin resistance AND dyslipidemia or excessive fat in the blood. Both of these factors play a role in the development of diabetes.

For more information about the benefits of chia seeds click HERE.

Tired of pricking your fingers to check your blood sugar levels or do you know some one who is? Click HERE.

Here's the low down on this yummy Banana Berry Smoothie Bowl
Total Time: 10 min.
Prep Time: 10 min.
Cooking Time: None
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients:
¾ cup almond milk
1 scoop Strawberry Shakeology or Vegan Tropical Strawberry Shakeology
¼ cup fresh or frozen blueberries (reserve some for garnish)
1 cup ice
¼ large banana, cut into thick slices
¼ cup fresh or frozen blackberries
2 Tbsp. sliced raw almonds
1 Tbsp. chia seeds
2 tsp. raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
Preparation:
1. Place almond milk, Shakeology, blueberries, and ice in blender; cover. Blend until smooth.
2. Place smoothie in a medium bowl. Top with remaining blueberries, banana, blackberries, almonds, and chia seeds; serve immediately.

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