I have only recently jumped on this smoothie bowl bandwagon, I first saw them looking so delicious and exciting on some of my favorite blogs I follow. But I still thought why not just drink it? A smoothie bowl is so fun though once you try it, I like to make my smoothie thicker so its easier to eat with a spoon and add all kinds of fun and delicious toppings for extra texture.

This Blue Smoothie bowl is one of my favorites and it is simple and only has a few ingredients for better digestion. In this blog post there is 2 recipes . The Smoothie bowl and the Granola. So first up let’s get to the smoothie. This post I am going to highlight the magic that is Spirulina, yes it is algae and definitely has an acquired taste. It’s not for everyone. The great thing is you only need to use small amounts to gain benefits. Less is more (;   In this recipe I only use 1 teaspoon and you can hardly taste it! Bonus! Can you tell it’s not my favorite taste….but I find ways to add it in. This smoothie bowl is great for kids, it’s a fun color ,full of sweetness from the bananas , and I snuck kale and spirulina in there and they wont even know it (;

So lets get into the amazingness that is Spirulina!  Its is a algae(cyanbacteria) powder that is a great source of anti-oxidants, B-Vitamins and super high in Protein. It occurs naturally in the highly volcanic lakes of Africa and Mexico. When harvested correctly from non-contaminated ponds and bodies of water, it is one of the most potent nutrient sources available.  It is naturally high in Iron so is recommended for vegetarians, pregnant woman, after surgery or whenever your immune system needs a boost during time of illness.

Spirulina is known to help treat Candida and other auto immune diseases like Lupus , Chronic fatigue and Chron’s disease , yeast can cause and make symptoms worse, but spirulina helps promote growth of healthy gut bacteria. A few other reasons to use spirulna

• Balances Blood pressure
• Helps to normalize cholesterol naturally
• Lowers your stroke risk
• Has more protein than red meat!

“There are many types of spirulina out there so it is important to do your homework before making a purchase. Since spirulina grown in an uncontrolled environment has the potential to become contaminated with heavy metals and other toxins, it is important to choose organic spirulina from a reputable source.”

You can purchase Spirulina in capsules , powder for or tablets. Its is good to start with small amounts as Spirulina is a detoxifier, and see how you go, 3-5 grams is the recommended daily dose. You can spread that out during the day. Also increase your amount of drinking water, this will help absorb the Spirulina into your system.

It is always best to check with your medical provider before taking any new supplement you are unsure of, especially if pregnant or nursing, and if taking other medication.

I recommend The Rawlicious brand , you can find their products here 

Source: Dr Mercola 

Blue Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients * Use organic where possible

4 Ripe Bananas ( 2 Frozen)
1/2 Cup Milk Alternative (I used almond)
1/2 Cup Filtered Water
Handful Kale Leaves
1 tsp Spirulina
1 dried fig

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Enjoy with my Almond Granola recipe below.

Almond Granola

Ingredients * Use organic where possible

1 1/2 Cups Almond Pulp (from Almond Milk) or oats blended
2 Cups Oats
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 Cup Coconut Oil
1/2 Cup Maple Syrup
1 Seeds of Vanilla pod OR 1/2 tsp vanilla Powder
1/4 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 Cup Pumpkin seeds
1/2 Cup Sesame seeds
1/3 Nibbed almonds
1 Cup Raisins
1 Cup Dried coconut

Directions:

1.Heat your oven to 180 degrees, (you want to have already dried out your almond pulp, I place in the oven until golden brown. Then place in a food processor until it’s in a powder consistency.)

2.Mix your oats and almond pulp together, place aside.

3.Melt your coconut oil on a low heat, add in the maple syrup, salt, vanilla pod and cinnamon. Stir well and add to dry mixture. Stir until well combined. (optional to add in your almonds seeds and coconut for a more roasted flavour, I sometimes do half roasted half raw)

4. Spread out evenly onto a baking tray and place into oven.

5. Cook until golden brown (+-20 minutes) mixing occasionally

6. Remove from oven and stir in your seeds, almonds, coconut and raisins.

7.Wait to cool and place into an air tight jar or straight onto your smoothie bowl (:

Enjoy beautiful people!