Some Notable Benefits of Acai:
· Highest Antioxidant levels of any fruit
· Protein profile of an egg
· Essential fatty acids (omega 3, 6, 9)
· Low glycemic index
· High in fiber
· Maintains healthy function of bodily systems and organs
· Increases energy, libido and stamina
· Promotes healthy, glowing skin and hair
· Promotes healthy sleep
· Supports the immune system
· Acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory
Click here to find out more about acai: http://www.backyardbowls.com/our_food.html.
I first discovered the Acai Bowl in Santa Barbara at Back Yard Bowls (BYBS) where motorcyclists, yogis, jet setters, and ex-pats alike, gather together to antioxidize. The Acai Bowl is a true food orgasm. BYBS have several different kinds of bowls but I’m stuck on The Berry one. Here’s what is in it:
BYBS Berry Bowl:
Blended: Acai, Bananas, Strawberries, Apple Juice, Toppings, Hemp Granola, Goji Berries, Fresh Berries, Fresh Banana, Honey
The caveat? The toppings make me a bit wary of the caloric conclusion of this wonderful meal: the fruits are already in the blend and it’s naturally very sweet and filling so more fruit seems excessive. The granola is the only extra topper I find necessary because it’s delicious and nutritionally additive.
Where can you get this delicious and ultimate antioxidant meal if not at BYBs? Jamba Juice has a version of it, The Acai Topper. The Jamba variation however, includes soy milk (I get it with apple juice instead of soy and only granola on top, no fresh banana). Stick with 12oz size.
The best news is that this summer, I’ve concocted my own homemade version of the acai breakfast. This is how I do it:
Julie’s Homemade Acai Breakfast:
Freeze the fresh fruit completely plain.
Blend the following ingredients in a blender that has an ice crusher setting:
Frozen Fresh Strawberries (4)
Frozen Fresh Raspberries (a few)
Frozen Fresh Blueberries (a few)
Banana (1/2), Not Frozen
Enough Acai juice (Zola is an excellent brand) and organic apple juice to get a spoonable consistency. If it’s too thin after blending, add a few more frozen berries.
Serve:
Pour into a glass–take in the pretty color! Top with an all-natural granola.
This breakfast which I eat at this point in life probably 5 of the 7 mornings, enables me to start each day with a huge smile on my face. My 4 year old also indulges in it as a side to her main meal. It’s a nice way to slip in the fruits for your kids in a hands down delicious way!
