Call me a rebel but I like eating salad for breakfast. Spinach is the featured ingredient in this smoothie bowl because it is a champion at providing many vitamins and minerals including the following inflammation-fighters: vitamins K, A, C and B6. It’s also an excellent source of folate, magnesium, and calcium. I included vitamin C-rich strawberries to help with iron absorption (if you are trying to boost your iron intake, greens like kale and swiss chard may be more beneficial than spinach). Most uniquely, spinach contains various plant compounds including kaempferol, which has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, and nitrates, which have been shown to decrease blood pressure.
Avocado is the other green superfood featured in this breakfast bowl. A meta-analysis published earlier this year concluded that including avocado in our diets can assist in lowering total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Also, its omega-3 content can help lower inflammation.
P.S. This smoothie bowl is banana-free! Previously, frozen bananas were my not-so-secret ingredient for achieving a thick consistency, however, in an effort to decrease my banana consumption I have discovered dairy-free yogurt makes a great alternative. Do you have other ideas for replacing frozen bananas? Let me know in the comments below!
The full recipe can be found in my vegan eBook: Cooking with Compassion – 30 Vegan, Gluten-Free Recipes to Nourish Ourselves, Our Families & Our Planet
PCOS Powers:
- spinach = anti-inflammatory, low glycemic index, anti-cancer effects, excellent source of magnesium & calcium, avoid large amounts if prone to kidney stones or taking blood thinners
- avocado = anti-inflammatory, low glycemic index, high in fiber, may help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol and maintain normal serum total cholesterol levels, contains glutathione which has anti-carcinogenic properties and may boost immunity
- plant-based protein = helps decrease high cholesterol, manage blood sugar levels, helps build lean muscle mass
- low glycemic fruits (plums and strawberries) = help maintain blood sugar levels
Looks and sounds great. Great write up! Where did you get strawberries that are not completely white inside? Off to get mom’s eye fixed so she can see all of my beauty!
Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2016 06:04:38 +0000 To: [email protected]
Thanks, Dad! The strawberries are on the red side which was pleasing (organic from Cali which I bought at a local produce store, and some photo editing). Good luck at the doc! Xoxo
This looks so very healthy and yummy!!
YUM! I’m a sucker for smoothie bowls, pinning now 🙂
Thank you for sharing my recipe!
Looks yummy. Gotta try this.
Let me know how it goes! OR better yet snap and tag me in a pic 😉 http://www.instagram.com/phruitfuldish
Appreciate how you provide how each ingredient is good for you. And this looks delicious.
Glad you appreciate it! Part of my mission is to show how something we do everyday (eat!) can be healing us or preventing disease at the same time 🙂
I see smoothie bowls are all the rage now! I am going to have to try one soon- this one looks so good!
One trend I fully support! I kind of relate them to healthy fro-yo, toppings n all. Or a smoothie you can eat instead of drink 🙂
I’ve always wanted to try smoothie bowls, but this is the first recipe I think I could like. I’m always looking for a healthy and quick breakfast option, and this sounds great! What are your favorite fruit toppings for this smoothie bowl?
-Fabi at Wonder Fabi
Awesome! I am thrilled this recipe resonates with you 🙂 I honestly top with whatever I have on hand (and even have fun shopping for new toppings that will be nutritious and beautiful). Chia seeds seem to make their way on almost all my smoothie bowls. Then, a colorful fruit like kiwi, dragonfruit or strawberries (in season!). Granola is a fun one which adds some crunch 🙂 Love getting creative! Enjoy.
Can’t wait 🙂
Can’t wait to try this never had one before
Smoothie bowls changed my breakfast game forever! 🙂 😉
I’ve recently gotten into salads for breakfast, too! I never thought to put them in a smoothie bowl, though. Sounds amazing!!!
Awesome! I just feel anything with greens is associated with salads but really we can eat them anytime of the day and mixed into anything for extra nutrients 🙂 Thanks for popping by!
Oh this looks delicious! I’m smoothie obsessed these days & you’ve incorporated some of my absolute favorites in this one! I also love how you noted the health benefits of each ingredient…so informative! Nonnomnom!! ~ Alea {FrugalNesting.com}
Thank you! Sharing the health benefits is my favourite aspect of blogging so I am happy you enjoy it too 🙂
have always beena fan of your smoothies. another great recipe. thanks.,
I am ALWAYS in the mood for avocado….looks yummy!
I know, right?! Avocado is my favourite food I think…
Love this combination – looks delish!
Looks so good! I love the mix ins for some different textures 🙂
so delicious. love this bowl!
Xx
Kali
http://www.lovelaughexplore.com
@love_laugh_explore
https://www.facebook.com/lovelaughexplore/
This sounds great!
YES! I love a good smoothie bowl.
Looks lovely, really need to try it!!
Thank you! Please let me know if you do try it! Would love to see your creation 🙂 #phruitfuldish
Hi! I’ve just started out my own Vegan Cooking blog and it was blogs like yours that really inspired me to get started. I would love it if you could give mine a look! many thanks xx https://rosegoldvegan.wordpress.com/
That looks really yummy!!
This looks like a delicious way to start the day! I’m interested in this dairy free yogurt as a base instead of a banana! Looks beautiful 🙂
oh man! I need to get the fuse in my blender changed now! This sounds incredible!
This looks really good! I have the same smoothie every day, but this looks like a great way to mix it up and add some more fruits. Thanks for sharing
Yum! I make a similar smoothie with spinach, avocado, pineapple, Greek yogurt and almond milk. It’s delicious!!
Such a delicious avo smoothie bowl! I’m drooling over my keyboard!
This is such a creative recipe. It looks healthy but still very yummy!
I love smoothie bowls! This looks so delicious!
This sounds delicious. I love that you don’t use banana here. I’ve never been a fan of bananas in smoothies.
What a beautiful smoothie bowl, and I love that you use organic spinach and strawberries (dirty dozen)!
Thanks so much. And you said it!! I was actually trying to think of a simple subscription bonus, and came up with providing a list of the dirty dozen and clean fifteen. Do you think this would be useful? 🙂
This looks like a great smoothie bowl, Dylan! I’m curious about the dairy free yogurt you mentioned. I’ve given up on them because I find them so off putting (taste and ingredient wise), but if you have a recommendation I’d love to learn more. Hope you had a great weekend, girl!
Hi Justine, thanks for the compliment. I tagged you in a post on Instagram by my favorite yogurt brand (coconut-based). I hope the taste is better than what you’ve tried!
I don’t love avocado but I think I might give this a try! It looks yummy and you can’t beat the benefits!
Looks so nutritious. Can’t wait to try 🙂