Heart-Boosting Acai Bowl

Kickstart your day with a heart-healthy indulgence! Our homemade Acai Bowl is a delightful breakfast option any day of the week. The natural tartness of acai is perfectly balanced with the sweetness of banana, mixed berries, and coconut water in this nourishing recipe. Topped with a variety of heart-friendly ingredients, this bowl is not only delicious but also loaded with nutrients that support cardiovascular well-being.

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• ½ cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 (3.5-ounce) package frozen unsweetened acai puree
• ¼ cup fat-free plain strained yogurt, such as Greek-style
• ¼ cup coconut water
• 1 tablespoon almond butter
• ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons dried goji berries
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted (see Tip)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon hemp seeds

Directions:

1. Cut the banana in half crosswise; peel 1 half (set aside the remaining unpeeled half). Place the peeled banana half on a freezer-safe plate lined with parchment paper; freeze until solid, about 2 hours.
2. Place the frozen banana, berries, acai puree, yogurt, coconut water, almond butter, and cinnamon in a blender. Blend until smooth, 30 to 45 seconds, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed. Peel and slice the reserved banana half.
3. Pour the smoothie into a bowl; top with banana slices, goji berries, almonds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds. Serve immediately.

Heart Health Benefits:

• Acai: Packed with antioxidants that support heart health.
• Berries: Rich in fiber and vitamins, contributing to cardiovascular wellness.
• Coconut Water: Hydrating and beneficial for heart function.
• Almond Butter: High in monounsaturated fats, promoting heart wellness.
• Chia Seeds and Hemp Seeds: Omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.