In recent years, smoothie bowls have become a cultural phenomenon. They’re a wildly popular food trend that have been all over my “for you” page. I almost feel that if I’m slurping my smoothies out of a straw, I’m doing it wrong. I used to wonder – is the hype truly worth it? However, once I started giving smoothie bowls a fair shake, I was pleasantly surprised at how much I loved them. I feel like the main reason that we are all so fixated on them is that they can be aesthetically pleasing. Now, don’t get me wrong – I’m a big believer in the fact that food doesn’t need to look pretty. Diet culture and the media can make us feel like our own meals aren’t as “put-together” as everyone else’s. However, smoothie bowls do allow you to tap into your creative instincts, without having to put in too much work. The biggest difference between these and drinkable smoothies is that serving them in bowl form allows you to put whatever toppings on top that you want – and I think this is what initially drew everyone into the smoothie-bowl craze. There are just so many foods you can add on top, so the finished product is often a really satisfying, fun-looking array of colors. Some of my favorite toppings include coconut shavings, strawberries, bananas, almonds, and granola! There are tons more, though. This is certainly one of the most Instagram-able breakfast items out there. I almost find myself not wanting to eat one when I make it, so I don’t mess up what feels like a work of art!
Another thing that’s great about smoothie bowls is how nutrient-dense they can be. Since you don’t have to drink it, you can make the consistency thicker or thinner, depending on what you prefer. There are therefore tons of options as to what you can add! Avocado, spinach, coconut water, almonds, oats, and frozen fruits are just a few of the things that can be added to the bowl. Incorporating a wider variety of ingredients such as these (as opposed to powders that often go into smoothies) can give you important sources of fiber, carbs, protein, and fats! Given that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, this is a significant plus.
Smoothie bowl restaurants have also been popping up more and more in recent years, and I’m not mad at it. There’s a Rush Bowls right by SMU in Mockingbird Station, and they’re my go-to. The great thing about Rush Bowls and similar places is how many options there are on the menu – there are at least 16 bowls, plus a seasonal Pumpkin Spice one that I’m very excited to try. Another perk of the smoothie-bowl/catering world is that restaurants usually have toppings and ingredients that you never think to buy yourself, such as flax seeds, chia seeds, cacao nibs, matcha, goji berries, guava juice, and more.
Smoothie bowls are both easy to make at home, yet usually worth the money if you decide to go out. Some other options in the Dallas area if you’re looking to check them out are Bowldega, Nekter Juice Bar, and Vitality Bowls. If you make some at home, I suggest incorporating some fall flavors such as pumpkin or apple as well. Hopefully, you’re now feeling inspired like I am to make my breakfast more fun and add some of these ingredients/toppings!