Acai Berry Smoothie Topper

I'm sooo excited to introduce a new series on The Shine Project called "Fit Fridays".

I believe you feel about yourself, and in turn are able to lift others up when you're healthy and treat your body right. Some of you know that my sister Brooke is now working with me! She's a personal trainer and health guru, and every Friday she'll be sharing recipes and work outs that she's tested and seen results from. 

Enjoy, and have a happy weekend!

 

After tasting our first Acai Berry bowls in Huntington over 4th of July, Ashley and I knew I had to attempt recreating one of the most delicious treats we had ever tasted.  I love making smoothies in the summer; they are quick, refreshing, and you can pack all sorts of goodness into them.  I keep frozen bananas on hand, because they create the perfect creamy texture in a smoothie, without having to use ice cream or sherbet. 

I'm not a huge believer in "miracle foods" so I take everything with a grain of salt.  I'm sure you have heard the hype over Acai Berry products lately...claiming to cure disease and help with weight loss.  I haven't seen any proven studies on Acai Berries, but they are rich in antioxidants and fiber, just like blueberries!  So feel good about eating them, but don't look at them as a miracle weight loss food. 

Ingredients:

Smoothie:

4 oz. Acai Berry juice

1 frozen banana

1/2-1 frozen mango

1 small handful of ice (optional)

Topper:

Granola

fresh mango (diced)

2 strawberries (sliced)

1 kiwi (diced)

1/4 banana (sliced)

shredded coconut

honey

Blend Acai juice and frozen banana until smooth (consistency will be thick).  Slowly add frozen mango pieces and blend to preferred consistency (I kept mine a little chunky).  If you are adding ice you can blend it now.  If you prefer a thinner consistency or are having trouble blending the smoothie add more juice. 

You can split the smoothie into two glasses or enjoy it all by yourself :-)  Next, layer granola, chopped mango, sliced strawberries, chopped kiwi, sliced banana, and finish it off with a little more granola, shredded coconut and drizzle some honey over the top.

The finished product was husband approved and Zoe and Shiloh approved! Enjoy!