If you read my 2016 wishes post, you'll know that one of my new year goals was to adjust to a healthier lifestyle. I've been pretty firm this year that I'm not looking to follow a fad diet, but to make little changes to become more conscious about what I'm putting into my body. 

Now that I'm exercising more regularly, I've started making Acai bowls in the morning. They're delicious, easy to make and so incredibly good for you. Acai has been recognised as containing one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants in a food and as a result it's become really popular with health lovers. Here are some of the benefits of the Acai berry:

  • The fibre found in Acai berry skin and pulp can aid digestion and help support a healthy cardiovascular system. 
  • Acai is naturally high in essential fatty acids having a fatty acid profile similar to olive oil. Essential fatty acids aid in a healthy nervous system. 
  • Acai berries contain amino acids which help promote muscle performance, energy production, endurance and strength. 
  • Acai berries contain as much Vitamin C as blueberries as well as sources of Vitamins A, B1, B2, B3 and E. It's also a source of calcium, magnesium, zinc and copper. 
Acai bowls are really easy to make and have fast become my go to breakfast. I thought I'd share my recipe for anyone else looking to inject some health into their day to day. 

You will need: 
  • 2-3 tsp of Acai powder (I buy this one from Holland & Barrett)
  • Frozen berries 
  • Banana
  • Almond Milk 
For the topping:
  • Granola/Muesli
  • Fresh fruit
To make your Acai bowl, you just need to place all the ingredients into a blender and whizz it up. I like to use frozen berries because it's extra delicious when it's cold, but it's also more cost effective this way. Whilst your smoothie is blending, you can chop up some fresh fruit to decorate your bowl. You can essentially put whatever you like on top, from nut butters to chia seeds - whatever you feel like that day. I used to put Lizi's granola in mine, however I've recently found out that I have a gluten intolerance so have had to switch over to Eat Natural's Toasted Muesli, which thankfully is equally tasty. 

As you can see, this isn't difficult to make. Acai powder is expensive, however as you're only using a few teaspoons at a time, it'll last a while and in my opinion the nutritional benefits really outweigh the price tag. This is my new favourite breakfast, and I'd really recommend you give it a try! 

Have you tried an Acai bowl? What's your favourite healthy breakfast?