Acai Bowl 101

Carnival Cruise Line asked us to share a recipe that we can make at home that is inspired by the Islands - and what better recipe to share than an Açaí Bowl! Açaí bowls originate from Brazil but have been made popular in the islands for many years now. What we love about açaí bowls is it is a quick, refreshing and healthy snack and can be found just about anywhere in the islands. It is common to use apple juice or soy milk in the recipe, but in our house, we do it a little different. Hope you enjoy the video, and you can find the recipe below.

Ingredients:

2 Samabazon açaí packs

2 cups frozen blueberries

2 cups frozen mango

2 cups frozen banana

2 cups frozen strawberries

1/2 cup of almond milk (optional: less liquid = more thickness)

 

Directions:

Mash and blend at the same time. Stop blending as often as needed to help keep ingredients close to the blades. Try not to blend too long as the longer you blend the more the ingredients begin to melt

Serve immediately in bowl and add your favorite toppings. Here we used fresh bananas, blueberries, passion fruit, granola, natural coconut flakes and fresh sliced mango!

This post was created for Away We Go with Carnival, the destination for getting in the getaway state of mind.

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WelleCo Smoothies Three Ways

Aloha! I am partnering up with one of my absolute favorite health brands WelleCo to share with you three different smoothies using three of their products.

First of all, I must say that I personally believe in filling my diet with as many living foods as possible for proper nutrition but also acknowledge the benefits that one can receive from incorporating a few high quality natural supplements. WelleCo has become one of our most trusted go to's for everything from an adult vegan organic protein to a kids vegan organic protein and an alkalizing greens supplement.

So lets get to it! Below are three ways we use WelleCo in our home!

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Green Goddess Smoothie

The Green Goddess smoothie is packed with powerhouse nutrients that help with inflammation, gut health, hydration and boosts immunity and energy levels all while tasting A-mazing. I really love Super Elixir Super Greens because its made with 45 whole food alkalizing ingredients and absolutely no synthetics. Here is one of my favorite smoothies with the Super Elixir Alkalizing Greens!

Green Goddess Smoothie

  • 2 tsp Alkalizing Greens
  • 1 large Dino kale
  • 3 frozen banana
  • 1 cup  frozen mango
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • handful of ice (optional)
  • 1 handful of parsley (optional)

BLEND UNTIL SMOOTH!

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DRAGON STORM

The Dragon storm is really two recipes in one but its kinda fun to serve it this way! In this smoothie we used WelleCo Vanilla Nourishing Protein that is designed to kick-start your metabolism, maintain a healthy weight, and to simply be a really good tasting organic protein snack! I know protein is a big concern for people going vegan and so I would encourage you to get educated on the matter. I love letting people know about companies like WelleCo because they help in making great healthy choices!

Dragon Storm makes 2

Remove half the vanilla mixture from you blender and place into 2 cups and put in the freezer while you finish the recipe. Then add to the vanilla mixture the remaining ingredients:

  • 1/2 scoop Welleco Vanilla Nourishing Protein
  • 1 1/2  cups frozen strawberries
  • 1 cup frozen pitaya (or two packets pitaya) (optional) if leaving out add 1 cup extra of strawberries
  • 6 frozen coconut milk or almond milk cubes

Blend

Scoop the pink smoothie on top of the vanilla and top with vanilla vegan ice cream or enjoy as is.

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Frozen Hot Chocolate or Horchata for the Keiki

Tama and Ira love the WelleCo Kids Nourishing Protein. We use the super kids powder a couple times a week to add in a punch of pro-biotics, protein and essential nutrients like zinc, iron, vitamin A, B, and C all derived from legumes and vegetables.  It is by far the highest quality kids vegan protein and best tasting we have ever tried.  This Frozen Horchata is one that the kids ask for all the time and love to help make as well! This is one of our favorite after school snack smoothies!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Mood

If you are in the mood for something rich, peanut butterly delicious, want the indulgence of something that feels naughty but actually is nice, try whipping up this vegan- not so vegan tasting shake!  If you're craving a shake or icecream, try this. It could be your forever replacement to those heavy, processed calorie packed versions :)

PS For those asking about my blender, I have used a Vitamix for over 10 years. I had the 5200 Standard Series. Any model I have had is awesome and will give you that ice-cream texture you want! I gave my first one away to a friend to help her stick to her health change. It was 8 years old and still worked perfectly! I now have a couple because Vitamix has sent me a few to try in the past two years. I use them for events and at home Im pretty sure the neighbor kids and our friends look at me and see a big smoothie bowl so I use them a lot! haha. Currently I use the Professional Series 750 in Champagne color. :) I also have the Ascent A3500 which is their newest model and just a beast!! 

If you want to get one the code  06-031 gives your free shipping which can be sometimes $60. 

If you want to save some money, Vitamix has a refurbished section. They also have a payment plan and their warranty plan is like 5-7 years or something like that. Its the only kitchen device we really have.  Also! Sometimes on craigslist  you can find them used for way cheap as well! Anyway, I hope this helps! My inbox is full of messages for this very thing haha. Its worth it... Its an investment into your health. It brings joy....haha! Okay! It's 5am and I am rambling... lets get on to this recipe! Find Below! Tag me on Instagram (@earthyandy) if ya make it! I like see ;)

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RECIPE: Peanut Butter Chocolate Mood

(makes 2) - try to use organic ingredients. 

8 frozen Almond Milk Ice Cubes (I always have these made in my freezer). Simply freeze your favorite almond milk into ice cubes and store in an airtight container.

*(OR for a slightly creamer version use 4 canned coconut milk cubes and 4 almond milk cubes)

4 ripe frozen banana

2 rounded tablespoons coconut sugar

1/4 cup natural peanut butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract/or 1 vanilla bean

1 rounded tablespoon cocoa or cacao powder

optional* smallhandful of vegan chocolate chips or koko samoa

Blend and mash together until thick and creamy! As you can see there is no liquid ingredients and that is on purpose. Sometimes it helps to let defrost slightly or feel free to add a little more almond milk or a fresh banana if you do not have a strong blender:)

The coconut sugar and the vanilla help give a warm toffee caramel undertone while the peanut butter makes it feel and taste rich! You can add cocoa powder as well for an added chocolatey flavor or leave it out! Its two different shakes just by doing that! 

If you make it, let me know by tagging @earthyandy via insta story or on the picture! I always love love love seeing what all ya are up to! 

Much Love!

Andy xo

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Morning Start Smoothies and Lemon Water + Molasses

Morning Start Smoothies!

I personally love starting my day with a tall glass of water mixed with fresh lemon juice and apple cider vinegar with a spoon full of molasses (see why below),  followed by a tall hydrating green smoothie. Feel free to double this recipe if you are hungry throughout the morning. I usually sip on this throughout the morning.  Here are two recipes that are simple to make, taste good and take no time at all!

Glow On Smoothie

2 dino kale leafs. or 1 cup baby spinach or baby kale

1 cup frozen or fresh mango (peaches, or pears work well too)
3 frozen ripe banana

1 cup coconut or filtered water or organic almond milk for creamer version

1/2 seeded cucumber (optional)

1/4 cup parsley or mint (optional) - anti-inflammatory - will alter taste slightly.

handful of ice

Blend until smooth - Enjoy!

Morning Start Green Smoothie

1 cup organic apple sauce

1 cup baby kale or baby spinach

3 frozen ripebanana (or mango, or blueberries- it will alter taste but be good).

1 cup ice

Add filtered water to expand if desired.

Blend until smooth!

Morning Start- A few tips to get the day going in the right dirction!

For a good start on the day (you likely will detest this at the beginning haha). Try drinking warm or room temperature water with 1/2 lemon squeezed, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoonmolasses. WHY? Read below the many reason but right off the bat...  It curbs your appetite like no other and sugary food (Cereals, donuts, whatever), you wont be able to even stomach it! I actually like it this concoction now! My husband has been doing this now for a good 8 months and finds without it he craves sugar etc.  It sets the tone for the day.

Starting your day like this is going to give your insides a morning rinse, your metabolism a kick start, hydrate your cells and curb cravings which naturally prepare you to make food choices that will also support a healthy gut. Listed below is a little more info on what to try! Hope this helps! Pair this with some exercise and you are going to be golden in a matter of no time. I can't promise anything because I am not a professional,  but what I do know is nature is going to support your health more than processed. Its back to the basics with nature!

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar “Braggs” Brand:

Apple cider vinegar and vinegar in general are composed of acetic acid which aids in digestion through its anti-fungal, antibacterial and alkalizing properties. Apple cider vinegar can decrease inflammation throughout the body and specifically the digestive tract. I take 1-2 tbsp. diluted in water every morning or before every meal. Apple cider vinegar has been a remedy to digestive issues for over a thousand years and can even help with reducing candida!

Organic Un-sulphered Black-strap Molasses:

Black-strap molasses is packed with so many nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and so much more! Taking a tablespoon of molasses every morning helps to jump start your digestive track and gives your body the minerals and nutrients it needs for healthy hair skin and nails. Interesting fact…black-strap molasses is nutrient dense in magnesium which helps your muscles relax and draws water into the stool which promotes gut health! The best part is a jar of proper molasses is just a couple of dollars!

Fiber Rich Whole Foods

Fiber rich whole foods are so important to a healthy gut because of the effect that fiber has on the digestive system which includes a healthy gut. Fibre rich whole foods can help control blood sugar, promote heart health and offer relief from IBS. I love making green smoothies or having a large salad with kale or spinach. Fiber rich foods help with normal bowel movement and bowel health together. Did you know that staying “regular” helps with energy levels and mood?

Hydration

It sounds too simple to be a solution to a healthy gut but a healthy gut needs good old fashioned H20 and foods that are dense with it to help keep that digestive tract stay clean and clear. I like to drink a glass of water with lemon right when I wake up and then before every meal the best I can. I also eat a lot of cucumbers and melons which are 96% water!

Exercise

Lastly exercise! Movement where you can when you can really pays off!  I love to stay active and get in some type of physical exertion everyday whether it’s working out with my hubby, going for a bike ride with the kids, going for a run, swim, doing yoga or going for a surf! Exercise, specifically high intensity interval training (HIIT) has been found beneficial in promoting a healthy gut. (I didn't know this until recently). Exercise helps improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, while improving your circulation, weight, skin, mood and the list goes on….  In case you need some extra motivation!

I hope this helps a bit! I know there is a lot of advise out there! This is what worked for me and if its any help to you that's awesome!!

GUT HEALTH WITH GREEN BOWL RECIPE

Aloha! I am really excited to share and discuss gut health together and grateful WelleCo was keen on pairing up to promote this important topic and whip up some yummy alkalizing recipes together!

Lets face it, a healthy gut is tricky these days with all the processed sugar and fat laden products out there. There is just so much information out there that it gets confusing for us to know what to do so my biggest piece of advice to live by before we get into specifics .…eat a variety of whole foods and not too much! Keep it simple. Stick to the basics.  Pick Plant over processed and your body will utilize the nutrients its needs and find a proper ph balance and this is where you will accomplish a healthy gut aka a happy life! Just do the best ya can.

And don't fret, this doesn’t mean never indulge but my advice is to make the majority of your diet and lifestyle clean and sustaining! Give that love your body needs!  (And just so you know all recipes on my site are meant to be gut friendly (even nicecreams in moderation)).

For many people I know its hard to always eat fresh and look for a supplement to accompany their diet so this month I partnered with The Super Elixir by WelleCo to share recipes and tips that can improve gut health using their Alkalizing Greens, which is an all natural multi-vitamin supplement made with premium cold pressed bio-live ingredients! It is a definite favorite of mine.

On Instagram this past week, many of you voiced you had stomach issues you have and want to improve. I also loved reading how so many have found freedom from IBS, leaky gut syndrome, weight gain, fatigue from following a plant based diet. Some of you said you went vegan hoping for these benefits with no success. I have personally found that it takes more than going vegan to heal.  As you work on becoming an expert on you here is what has worked for me and may work for you!  

GUT HEALTH TIPS

  • First of all, oil, even plant oil can irritate the stomach so watch oils and sauces…
  • second, nuts, seeds, too much acidic foods (grains, processed foods) can cause stomach bloat so maybe avoid for a while and introduce gradually later.
  • Here is a list of foods to avoid and or limit when first transitioning your diet to avoid the bloat and even more tips if interested!  http://www.earthyandy.com/getting-started/

Morning Start

For a good start on the day (you likely will detest this at the beginning haha). Try drinking warm or room temperature water with lemon, apple cider vinegar and molasses. Read below to understand this madness… If you do this though, you will not crave anything sugary after. It curbs your appetite like no other and sugary food (Cereals, donuts, whatever), you wont be able to even stomach it! I personally drink lemon water first, take a spoon of vinegar with a little water, and then a spoon of molasses straight. I actually like it now! My husband has been doing this now for a good 8 months and finds without it he craves sugar etc. He is sold on it too.

Starting your day like this is going to give your insides a morning rinse, your metabolism a kick start, hydrate your cells and curb cravings which naturally prepare you to make food choices that will also support a healthy gut. Listed below is a little more info on what to try! Hope this helps! Pair this with some exercise and you are going to be golden in a matter of no time. I can't promise anything because I am not a professional,  but what I do know is nature is going to support your health more than processed. Its back to the basics with nature!

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar “Braggs” Brand:

Apple cider vinegar and vinegar in general are composed of acetic acid which aids in digestion through its anti-fungal, antibacterial and alkalizing properties. Apple cider vinegar can decrease inflammation throughout the body and specifically the digestive tract. I take 1-2 tbsp. diluted in water every morning or before every meal. Apple cider vinegar has been a remedy to digestive issues for over a thousand years and can even help with reducing candida!

Organic Un-sulphered Black-strap Molasses:

Black-strap molasses is packed with so many nutrients like vitamin B6, magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium and so much more! Taking a tablespoon of molasses every morning helps to jump start your digestive track and gives your body the minerals and nutrients it needs for healthy hair skin and nails. Interesting fact…black-strap molasses is nutrient dense in magnesium which helps your muscles relax and draws water into the stool which promotes gut health! The best part is a jar of proper molasses is just a couple of dollars!

Fiber Rich Whole Foods

Fiber rich whole foods are so important to a healthy gut because of the effect that fiber has on the digestive system which includes a healthy gut. Fibre rich whole foods can help control blood sugar, promote heart health and offer relief from IBS. I love making green smoothies or having a large salad with kale or spinach. Fiber rich foods help with normal bowel movement and bowel health together. Did you know that staying “regular” helps with energy levels and mood?

Hydration

It sounds too simple to be a solution to a healthy gut but a healthy gut needs good old fashioned H20 and foods that are dense with it to help keep that digestive tract stay clean and clear. I like to drink a glass of water with lemon right when I wake up and then before every meal the best I can. I also eat a lot of cucumbers and melons which are 96% water!

Exercise

Lastly exercise! Movement where you can when you can really pays off!  I love to stay active and get in some type of physical exertion everyday whether it’s working out with my hubby, going for a bike ride with the kids, going for a run, swim, doing yoga or going for a surf! Exercise, specifically high intensity interval training (HIIT) has been found beneficial in promoting a healthy gut. (I didn't know this until recently). Exercise helps improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, while improving your circulation, weight, skin, mood and the list goes on….  In case you need some extra motivation!

I hope this helps a bit! I know there is a lot of advise out there! This is what worked for me and if its any help to you that's awesome!!

Alkalizing Glow Bowl Recipe:
Serving 1 Prep- freeze mangoes, coconut water ice cubes, and banana

1 cup frozen mango
3 frozen banana
1-2 dino kale leafs. or 1 cup baby spinach
5 coconut water ice cubes
1 teaspoon superelixir alkalizing greens.

Blend until smooth and top with your favorite toppings. I enjoy mango blueberries kiwi granola and coconut shreds!

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P.S. You can make this into a smoothie and if you don't have the Superelixir powder yet you can still use this recipe!