Every Ingredient in This Velvety Oat and Berry Pie Smoothie Bowl Promotes Brain and Gut Health
Smoothies are a go-to breakfast for many of us because they're quick and easy, endlessly versatile, and you can pack a ton of nutrients into one glass. That being said, there are times when the thought of sucking down yet another icy, spinach-and-spirulina-laced smoothie just isn't appealing. This monotony, believe it or not, is exactly what led herbalist and Supernatural founder Rachelle Robinett to create a brain-boosting smoothie bowl that's warm, nourishing, and is "like having pie for breakfast." She shows you how to make it in this week's episode of Plant Based.
"We have slow [to digest] carbs, we have gut-friendly fiber, we have really good sources of nutrients and healthy fats and proteins that all support brain function, mood, and really set you up for the rest of your day," says Robinett. "It's definitely a healthy mind breakfast."
The base of the bowl is yogurt—feel free to use plant-based yogurt, Greek yogurt, or whatever style suits your fancy—which gives the recipe a boost of protein and healthy fat. "The nice thing about protein is that it provides amino acids, and amino acids are the building blocks for things like our neurotransmitters, which support our mood throughout the day. So it's super important to have a lot of great plant-based foods, whole foods, and protein [in your diet] to support your amino acid production and your brain," Robinett explains. Be sure to use one that is plain or vanilla flavored and doesn't packed a ton of added sugars.
She adds extra fiber and gut-boosting benefits to the recipe by adding a teaspoon of psyllium husk, a starchy prebiotic fiber, and a scoop of chia seeds. "If you know anything about the gut brain connection, it's super important to support gut health if you want a happy head, so fiber forever, always, always," she says. The chia seeds also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help support a healthy brain, cardiovascular system, and longevity. Oats, one of Robinett's favorite breakfast ingredients, provide slow carbs, more fiber, and give the recipe some "good chewing action... plus, when you combine warm oats with berries, this is when it starts to taste like pie." (We're sold.)
Ready to eat brain-boosting pie for breakfast? Press play on the video above to get the full recipe, and follow along using the instructions below.
The most delicious brain-boosting smoothie bowl recipe
Ingredients
1 cup frozen berries, warmed
1 scoop yogurt
1 tsp psyllium husk
1 tsp chia seeds
Protein powder (optional)
1/2 cup oats
1/2 Tbsp dragon fruit powder (optional)
Cacao nibs, goji berries, and dragon fruit chips (optional, for garnish)
1. Warm the frozen berries gently on the stovetop in a saucepan, stirring frequently. Scoop yogurt into a bowl, and add psyllium husk, chia seeds, a scoop of protein powder (if using), and oats. Stir well to combine with a silicone spatula, then add dragon fruit powder (or any other herbs or spices you prefer) and warm berries to the mixing bowl.
2. Mix all ingredients until fully incorporated. Top with cacao nibs, goji berries, and dragon fruit chips.
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