MACRO-FRIENDLY SMOOTHIE BOWL RECIPES
Are smoothie bowls good for you? They seem “healthy”, but are they a good food to add to your day or a fake-healthy fad? It depends! This week, we’re sharing some refreshing smoothie bowl recipes, and, more importantly, explaining why smoothie bowls are neither good nor bad, and may be helpful in supporting you and your goals.
It is a major goal of ours to help people look past the idea that there are “good” and “bad” foods and focus on building general awareness about what is in the foods we choose to eat. Just because a food is labeled as “healthy” doesn’t mean we can eat it in unlimited quantities, and just because a food is high in calories doesn’t automatically make it bad.
Just because an internet article told you that smoothie bowls are the thing right now and are the perfect way to weight loss doesn’t mean that all smoothie bowls are created equal. To reap the benefits of the foods you eat, you need to know your goals and make sure your food choices are helping you reach those goals. The main reason for tracking your macros is to build awareness of the makeup of the foods you’re eating, not to obsess over calories.
We think smoothie bowls can be a great option for:
a post-workout meal, especially if you have a hard time eating after workouts
packing in micronutrients and fiber if you struggle to add fruits and veggies to your day
an alternative way to consume protein
A light and refreshing addition to your day when eating a heavy breakfast or snack isn’t appetizing
a quick meal or snack when you’re on the go that can be tailored to your specific targets
At the same time, a smoothie bowl can also be incredibly high in calories when packed with calorie-dense ingredients and toppings. There is nothing wrong with a high-calorie meal, but if you’re consistently eating a high-calorie smoothie bowl because it is labeled as “healthy,” but feeling stagnant in your fat loss goals, this could be a contributing factor. (Example: this smoothie bowl has over 100 grams of carbs with only 8 grams of protein so may not be the most helpful in meeting your nutritional needs)
We’re sharing a few macro-friendly smoothie bowl recipes that are high in protein and will help you meet your macro goals while still keeping you full and satisfied!
PB&J SMOOTHIE BOWL
NUTRITION INFORMATION || 30P/5F/42.5C || 337 calories
WHAT YOU NEED:
150g Raspberry nonfat Greek yogurt (I used 1 Kroger brand single serve)
150g frozen mixed berries (blueberries & strawberries)
100g unsweetened vanilla almond milk
10g collagen peptides
10g peanut butter powder
Top with:
20g Kind peanut butter granola clusters
WHAT TO DO:
Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on low speed, slowly increasing speed every 10 seconds for a minute or until smooth.
Pour blended mixture into a bowl, top with granola and enjoy!
You can find this recipe in the MyFitnessPal database by searching: KLN Recipe: PBandJ Smoothie Bowl.
TROPICAL SUNRISE SMOOTHIE BOWL
NUTRITION INFORMATION || 27P/9F/48C || 370 calories
WHAT YOU NEED:
150g Coconut nonfat Greek yogurt (I used 1 YQ by Yoplait single serve)
75g frozen mango100g frozen pineapple
100g unsweetened coconut milk
10g collagen peptides
½ t fresh ginger root, minced
Top with:
50g Fresh mango, cubed
75g Fresh kiwi, sliced
20g Unsweetened toasted coconut
WHAT TO DO:
Toast coconut in a small skillet over low heat, using a spatula to move around the pan continuously. Remove from heat once the coconut begins to brown.
Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on low speed, slowly increasing speed every 10 seconds for a minute or until smooth.
Pour blended mixture into a bowl, top with sliced kiwi, fresh mango and toasted coconut and enjoy!
You can find this recipe in the MyFitnessPal database by searching: KLN Recipe: Tropical Sunrise Smoothie Bowl.
WATERMELON CHIA SMOOTHIE BOWL
NUTRITION INFORMATION || 27P/5F/38C || 292 calories
WHAT YOU NEED:
150g Vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt (I used 1 Kroger brand single serve)
150g frozen watermelon
100g frozen strawberries
100g unsweetened vanilla almond milk
Top with:
2 chopped mint leaves
8g chia seeds
50g fresh blueberries
WHAT TO DO:
Add all ingredients to a blender. Blend on low speed, slowly increasing speed every 10 seconds for a minute or until smooth.
Pour blended mixture into a bowl, top with chopped mint, chia seeds and fresh blueberries and enjoy!
You can find this recipe in the MyFitnessPal database by searching: KLN Recipe: Watermelon Chia Smoothie Bowl.
PREP TIP || The smoothie bowls are best enjoyed immediately upon making, but you can make them ahead of time if you have a busy morning. Prepare according to the recipe and store in the fridge. Put in the freezer an hour before you plan to eat it and then let it sit out for five minutes. Add toppings and enjoy!
Love these and looking for more easy, macro-friendly recipes? Check out the posts below and be sure to check out our free mini-cookbooks here or grab the full version in The Shop!