My version of the Bowl of the Gods
You knows it’s serious when you can’t stop thinking about a smoothie bowl.
I don’t even love smoothie bowls all that much. Sure, I like them, and it’s a way to shake up the breakfast routine, but what can be sooooo special about eating your smoothie like a soup? Apparently a lot of things. I’ve been missing out, and thanks to Kure Juice Bar, I now understand.
When Anne and I first went to Kure during our Portland trip, I was definitely hungry for breakfast (<– my favorite meal). But, I wanted something to satisfy my hunger without giving me a pre-yoga food baby. Kure didn’t have a ton of meal options -they’re more for snacks and beverages- but I did notice the smoothie bowls. I figured I’d give it a whirl.
The one I ordered (Bowl of the Gods) was an apple juice-based smoothie, topped with gluten-free granola, goji berries, shredded coconut, cinnamon and fruit. The kicker is that they used protein powder and acai in the smoothie for protein staying power, and some bonus nutrients. It was everything I could wish for: nutty, sweet, salty, crunchy, creamy… a veritable cornucopia of textures.
So that’s exactly what this is:
A smoothie with vegan protein powder and acai
+ texture combos (hemp seeds, coconut, chopped fresh fruit)
+ cereal (mix of puffed rice and gluten-free granola that Nicole sent me)
When I had my Kure smoothie bowls, I was on vacation so I devoured the whole thing without thinking too much about the nutrient balance. The one I tried the second day (a creamy peanut butter and hemp-milk-based smoothie bowl) was a bit of a calorie bomb, so I figured while making it at home, I’d be mindful of the balance of ingredients. I don’t count calories at home, but I eyeball serving sizes with the more dense ingredients. Granola, nut butter and nuts/seeds can add up quickly! I figured I’d share the ratios I used for each one but of course, if you prefer to make it without measuring, go for it! I’m sure it will be delicious.
The smoothie:
-1.5 C liquid of choice (apple juice or milk)
-1/2 C frozen mixed berries
-1 tablespoon nut butter (optional)
-1/2 acai berry smoothie pack (in the freezer section of most natural food stores)
-1/2 banana
-5 drops Stevia
-1/2 pack (or 1 heaping tablespoon) protein powder of choice (I used chocolate Vega)
Blend well, then pour into a large bowl.
Toppings:
-The possibilities are endless. Nuts, cereal, coconut, seeds, dried fruit, fresh fruit, whatever you’re feelin’.
-I added: 1 C rice cereal, 1/2 pack of Blissful Eats granola, sliced banana, strawberries, blueberries and a dusting of coconut.
Just pour your smoothie in the bowl, add your toppings and enjoy!
I can tell we’ll be having fun with these this summer. For the record, they’re toddler tested and approved, too 😉 Have you found an amazing healthy restaurant breakfast lately?
xoxo
Gina
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Looks delicious! I shared an acai breakfast bowl (similar to what yours looks like) at this little diner in Encinitas last summer, and it was fantastic!
Thanks for posting this recipe, I had a green juice at Kure but did not have time to go back to try one of their acai bowls. I will definitely make one of these when I get home (I am in MIlan for work this week). I was in Austin for BlogHer Food last month and I heard lots of people raving about the acai bowls, sounds like a new trend that needs to take over the food blogging world!
Mmmm…looks great! This is my kind of breakfast! 😉
Smoothie bowls are one of my new fav breakfasts (or afternoon snacks) so good! I love how many nutrients you can pack into one little meal :).
You are right, Tegan @ Happy Healthy Whole. You can add many nutrients into it. If you make them properly, smoothie bowls are also healthy, delicious and easy to make.
Ummm… DELISH!!!!!
I’m always looking for new recipes to try for breakfast and this looks amazing! There’s just something about eating a smoothie with a spoon that’s so much more satisfying than slurping it through a straw. Maybe because it lasts longer? 😉
This looks great!
Which kind of vega chocolate protein powder do you get?
Or does anyone else get?
They have various kinds.
Quite a few places here have something similar on the menu and my favorite is within walking distance of our house! They’ll do a juice or soy-based smoothie and top it with fruit, coconut, dried acai berries, granola, nuts, seeds and bee pollen. So yummy but absolutely gargantuan so I usually grab one for lunch instead of breakfast and it gets me over the 3pm hump. We’re actually very lucky because in our neighborhood (a pocket between Encinitas and South Carlsbad) we have loads of great health-minded cafes/restaurants cranking out delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that give me great inspiration for creating my own versions at home. It’s not necessarily breakfast food but I had the best vegan strawberry shortcake in a jar not too long ago…almond milk soaked cake layered with local organic berries and almond cream. Once I master that “cream”, we’re in business 🙂
Amanda – do you mind sharing which places those are? I JUST moved to the Oceanside area and am on the lookout for great places to eat! 🙂
No problem!
…Naked Cafe (we visit the Encinitas & Solana Beach locations but the one in Carlsbad would be closest to you)
…Native Foods Cafe (Encinitas)
…Peace Pies (Encinitas)
…Healthy Creations (Encinitas)
…Lotus Cafe & Juice Bar (Encinitas)
…Mozy’s Cafe (Encinitas)
…Ki’s Restaurant (Cardiff)
These are some of our local favorites and I’m sure you can find more info/menus online. True Foods is totally worth the drive down to Mission Valley too if you’re up for it. As for grocery stores, there’s a Whole Foods in Encinitas right on the 101, a Jimbo’s in South Carlsbad, a Sprouts in Carlsbad, and a Trader Joe’s right there in
Oceanside if memory serves me right. Hope this helps in your search to find healthy options. I’m a native San Diegan and always happy to share!
That looks incredible!
Hey Gina, have you been to Xoom Juice in Tucson? They have awesome acai bowls!
Oh yum! Loving all the berry and oat and acai bowls around lately – This looks like a delicious version! <3 Can't wait to try this!
This sounds awesome Gina!! I typically don’t go out for breakfast because I like making my own healthy (cheaper) creations at home, but I love anywhere that serves up a good smoothie or green juice with nothing but whole food ingredients. Speaking of which, I’m about to check out your Portland restaurant recap now!
WOW! That looks so GOOD! Here in LA we have Earth Bar that has Acai Smoothie Bowls but they do not have a gluten free granola and like you me and gluten are not friends so I have never tried it! I plan to make my own, thanks for the recipe 🙂 Love + Shine CourtStar
Ohh baby! That one looks like a serious keeper. I’ll have to look for those acai berry smoothie packs next time I’m at one of my local health stores!
Wow, this looks amazing! Right up my alley! 😉 There is a local breakfast place selling a quinoa bowl I have been wanting to try! It has almonds, berries, etc. it sounds like an awesome healthy breakfast!
Hi Gina,
I am on the hunt for a new (tasty!) vanilla protein powder for smoothies and amazeballs. I have always used whey, but after researching, it seems that a vegan protein powder is easier to digest/better for overall health. I have purchased a few samples this past week and all have had a horrible taste compared to the whey…any recommendations?
Thank you so much!
Melissa
Hi Melissa,
I have tried my fair share of vegan protein powders and have found a plant based one I enjoy — Plant Fusion, Vanilla Bean. You can get it at Vitacost online or even Amazon. If you aren’t ‘weirded’ out by egg whites, I have also used Jay Robb’s Egg White Protein powder from GNC which I really liked.
Im very excited about these! thanks for sharing
Hi. I was wondering do you know how many calories is in this bowl? I have had the same one at Kure and I thought the calories were a bit too high- i’m trying to lose weight. Is there another replacement for stevia? Thank you so muuch.
This looks SO delicious.
I definitely plan on making it. I saw the acai bowl on their website, and it sounds to die for.
And I’m all about smoothies these days, since the oven is just not appealing to turn on with the heat over here.
I love the color and the different toppings! I often eat my smoothies in a bowl too because I like ’em thick, and adding all those toppings is a great idea!
Here in Gilbert we have Thrive Acai Bowks!!! The best!!!!
YES! Those are so yummy. A little pricey though, so I save them for a special treat 🙂
I almost got the Bowl of Gods while there! I love smoothie bowls especially when topped with a yummy granola. For some reason I feel like I’m eating more of a filling meal when it’s served thick and in a bowl 🙂 I’ll have to look for the acai smoothie packs. They sound good!
Omg I have to try this!!!
There’s a local vegetarian/organic restaurant in my neighborhood that makes a macadamia nut sauce to pour over pancakes… sounds kinda “eh,” but I’ve truly never tasted anything more amazing in my life. Haven’t been able to deconstruct that one and make at home though 🙂
Looks delicious! I haven’t had a good smoothie in far too long.
It is almost 10pm and I WILL not EAT before I’ll go to bed! Recipe looks so delicious! I am printing it at this moment, and it will come to life from paper to my plate in the morning. 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
I’m glad you enjoyed your smoothie bowl in Portland! I’ve been recently measuring my ingredients out to stay mindful of my calorie intake, because it can add up! I’m usually pretty lax about calories and don’t count because I know my diet is balanced but I’m looking to add some more protein and decrease carbs from my daily routine. Thank you for the recipe! I love those acai packs in smoothies.
I was wondering what that was in your Fitbloggin’ recap post. I thought it was a salad at first! LOL This looks really good. I had a smoothie bowl a few years ago, and it was DELISH!
I never tried to top my smoothies with granola or cereal – how could I miss out on this? Some coconut flakes, some cacao nibs, yeah I went this way. But seriously, your bowl looks like the most amazing breakfast. Guess what: it’s smoothie bowl for breakfast today. Thanks for the inspiration!
I just got my first Magic Bullet and am obsessed with smoothies lately – and this one looks SO good!!
Thanks for sharing! I’ll have to try to track down some acai berries….actually this reminds me of something I had in Brazil a lot. They serve you a bowl of frozen blended acai berries and top it with granola and banana. Perfect when it’s hot!
Ohh I’m intrigued by this. I’ll have to try making one. Thanks!
I have a smoothie every morning for breakfast during the summer and love this bowl idea! Perfect for the days when a smoothie just isn’t enough 🙂
I love smoothie bowls too – even for dinner sometimes in the hot summer!! I love mine topped with chia seeds, coconut butter and granola.
totally not trying to be snarky but 1. i thought you didn’t count calories yet mention it being a calorie bomb? 2. you mentioned that you eat all.the.foods. now but say that you avoided pho bc you thought it had gluten containing noodles? but donuts made with flour are ok? just wish i could pick and choose depending on what dietary restriction i felt like enforcing that day #disgruntledceliac thank god i can eat pho #riceisnice
May I make a very random comment?
I’ve been posting my fitness progress on Instagram this week but it feels so empty and senseless now without adding my favourite hashtag ever: #summershapeup.
Think I’ll just keep using the hashtag =p
P.S.: I’m going to Brazil next week to visit my family and can’t wait to eat a big bowl of açai with granola (basically impossible ingredients to find over here ==> Belgium).
xx
Just wanted to say I made this this morning, and it was AMAZING <3. I omitted the nut butter, threw in a huge handful of spinach, topped it with granola, sliced almonds, coconut & some sliced bananas and drizzled with a wee bit of honey. It was so delicious, thank you! I always come to your blog for meal ideas and you never disappoint 😉
OBSESSED with acai bowls. If you ever come to NYC in the near future, go to Juice Generation and get the amazing green bowl. Love them so so much.
Thanks for posting this recipe I was getting super jealous of all the juice bar pics! My favorite new (to me) breakfast is Panera’s Mediterranean Egg White on whole grain bread 🙂
Smoothie bowls are my morning staple…the toppings make it!! My current favorite toppings are berries, cacao nibs, chia seeds and TJ’s coconut chips. Yum!
Oh gosh that is a great way to shake things up a bit!! Especially in this summer heat, cha-ching!!
Unless I’m on-the-go, I always eat my smoothies in a bowl! SO much more enjoyable that way 🙂
i live in portland but just heard of kure recently. i haven’t made it over yet because i’m in NE and it’s in SE, kind of a long trek just for a juice! anyway, i have never heard of smoothie bowls! i drink smoothies every day and it never would have occurred to me to eat it this way but it makes so much sense! i can’t wait to try my own take. thanks for the share!
I’m absolutely IN LOVE with Kath’s Dough Boy smoothie bowls, especially this Chocoberry version I top with coconut butter, chocolate hazelnut butter and Kashi’s Go Lean Crisp! Toasted Berry Crumble cereal. The smoothie is thick, “doughy” like the name implies, and keeps me full for hours!
Find the recipe at http://www.katheats.com/chocoberry.
i can’t wait to try it!
Yummy! Enjoyed reading your portland eats post 🙂 inspired me to keep working out and working on my blog so my next trip I can do a great recap like that also! Love the blog as always!
thank you so much!
That looks awesome!
My fave breakfast these days is probably old hat to everyone else but I’m in LOVE 1 frozen banana 1 cup frozen mixed berries 4 spoonfuls of yogurt (I use soy yogurt – plain) a squirt of nunaturals vanilla stevia a teeny splash of almond milk and yum!
This was the first time I had heard about a smoothie bowl. I’ll have to try this!
I made this bowl for breakfast. I love acqi bowls. I live in Portland so will have to try their bowls.