Now that the weather is warming up I'm sure we are all more conscious of looking our best in that tank tops or hot bikinis. When the weather is warm/hot, it not only affects us mentally but it's also the time of year that gives us the opportunity to showcase our physical form.
Smoothies and salads are a great way to optimize good health, especially during the warmer months because of how incredibly light and tasty they are, depending on what you pair them with. They also assist with weight loss.
It is a known fact that the Black population is disproportionately plagued with a plethora of lifestyle diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease. I believe it is time to re-evaluate our dietary habits and take control of our health. We owe it to ourselves, don't you think?
Smoothie bowls are the latest craze right now. The term is derived from a regular smoothie, only served in a bowl as opposed to a glass because the circumference yields room for a more generous amount of superfood topping.
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This chocolate banana smoothie is an absolute favorite of mine and a must try. It's made using raw cacao powder, which is brimming with an abundance of antioxidants (the free radical fighter) and stimulates endorphins (the secretion of the "happy hormone").
Cacao that's been harvested in its raw form is extremely bitter in comparison to what's in the store since it's unadulterated and contains no chemical-laden fillers or dairy. Bananas are loaded with fiber and potassium both of which support the gastrointestinal system and regulate the blood pressure.
I'm partial to using some coconut milk as the base of most smoothies because of the medium chain fats. Its mineral content, more specifically magnesium, is responsible for regulating the heart's rhythm and nervous system, plus it tastes darn great, too. If you're not a fan of coconut milk, please feel free to substitute with an alternative nut milk instead.
Almond butter is a good source of healthy fats and chia seeds are fibrous and expand upon digestion, convincing the brain to signal a fuller feeling.
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This smoothie is so easy to whip up and ideal for any time during the day and most dietary requirements.
Chocolate Banana Smoothie Bowl
Ingredients
1 cup of coconut milk (or a nut milk of your choice)
2 large bananas (preferably frozen)
1 tbsp of chia seeds
1 tbsp of cacao seeds
1 tbsp of almond butter
Directions
- Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blend on high speed until the consistency is smoothie.
- Pour the contents into a bowl and garnish with your favorite topping.
- Serve accordingly.
As you can see from the picture, I garnished my smoothie bowl lightly with a few pieces of fruit, almonds and shredded coconut, but you can add as little or as much as you like. It's an effective method to incorporate additional goodness to your already nutritional smoothie.
Charlene Harris is the founder of the website "That Girl Cooks Healthy," where she empowers individuals to reclaim good health by cooking food that's wheat and dairy free with an element of her Caribbean culture. For more great recipes, visit www.thatgirlcookshealthy.com and Facebook.
