Lifestyle
10 Healthy Add-Ons That Make Any Açaí Bowl Picture Perfect
If you've ever been on Instagram, which I'm sure almost everyone has, you've most likely come across an açaí bowl, or two, while scrolling through your feed. These picture perfect bowls are like a magnet to anyone with an iPhone. There are plenty of healthy and aesthetically-pleasing add-ons that will upgrade your açaí bowl in more ways than one.
The Fruits and Berries
Bananas
Bananas are the perfect add-on for your açaí bowl, especially since they energize your body. This is great as a pre- or post-workout snack. They also contain serotonin and norepinephrine, which help improve your mood.
Blueberries
Not only are blueberries bright and fun, they even help improve your memory. They are also simultaneously low in calories but high in nutrients, which is perfect for anyone keeping an eye on their calorie count.
Strawberries
Strawberries have high concentrations of antioxidants that help protect the body from disease. They also contain more Vitamin C per cup than a single fruit, such as an orange.
Goji Berries
Goji berries are like super-powered raisins. One serving of these contain more iron than spinach. They are also associated with increased energy, quality of sleep, and ability to focus.
The Seeds
These add-ons are anything but bird food. You might not even think about what the specks in your bowl actually are, but they definitely have significant benefits. Chia and flax seeds are especially healthful.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds have plenty of omega-3 fatty acids that help your heart. Since they are both full of fiber and protein, chia seeds fill you up faster and can help you control hunger.
Flax Seeds
Like chia seeds, flax seeds also contain an important omega-3 fatty acid. They also contain lignans, a phytochemical that contains antioxidant properties.
The Others
These other add-ons aren't just for show. Though they may seem like just another ingredient to fill the bowl, these more uncommon toppings also make your body happy.
Muesli
Muesli contains less sugar and oils than granola. It's easy to switch one for the other for an açaí bowl that looks the same but is much healthier.
Coconut Shavings
The meat of a coconut, which the shavings come from, is a great source of energy. It can also reduce the risk of neurological diseases, which is a pretty big benefit.
Almond Butter
As great as peanut butter tastes, almond butter is lower in sodium and slightly lower in saturated fats. It has much more iron than PB, so it's another great source, like goji berries.
Cacao Nibs
Cacao nibs bring a chocolatey flavor with even more antioxidant power than dark chocolate. Just like how chocolate is known to boost your mood, cacao nibs trigger neurotransmitters to make you feel better.
All of these add-ons are the perfect way to fill your açaí bowls to the brim with healthy boosters. Next time you put together your bowl, keep these in mind.