I’ve been meaning to post this vegan low carb Acai smoothie bowl for awhile and now, following a lovely ‘lil sojourn into the gastronomic landscape of Chapel Hill, North Carolina with a taste of Crystal Coast seafood thrown in, it seems to be the opportune time.
This year’s NATJA conference beckoned me to UNC Tar Heel territory – Chapel Hill, North Carolina where a fair amount of exploration into the beer, spirits, and culinary landscape of the area took place, which was then followed by a whirlwind excursion to North Carolina’s Crystal Coast where I indulged in as much boat-to-table seafood as one can gracefully do in two days. (More on that later.)
But you know the drill – now that you’re home – it’s time for a ‘lil bit of cleansing, purifying and detoxing.
And, Acai smoothies, or bowls, are the perfect vehicle for a healthy jump start, especially if you’re making them at home. Yes, you can buy the very same Sambazon acai that most acai bowl places use in their bowls. Sure its great going to Banzai Bowl or some other acai bowl place and having them make it for you, but… I generally avoid them because I don’t know how much sweetener is being added and, even though they look so appealing, that pretty purple afternoon delight has a super-size-me amount of calories and carbs.
Without getting into a discussion about net carbs, simple vs. complex carbohydrates, and how your body metabolizes each, let’s segue to this Sambazon organic açai smoothie made with less than 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of low carb fruit or avocado blended with a cup of greens (kale, chard or spinach) and topped with vegan raw Navitas Organics goji berries and Go Raw sprouted watermelon seeds for that necessary satisfying crunch and more superfood nutrition.
- 1 Sambazon Pure Unsweetened Acai Superfruit Pack
- 1 cup kale spinach or beet greens
- 3.5 ounces of low carb fruit I used cantaloupe, strawberries, and blueberries
- 1 teaspoon agave syrup or maple syrup
- handful of ice cubes about six
- 1 cup Almond/Coconut milk*
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If you use kale or chard, prepare by removing the tough center rib. Add fruit and greens to a blender, then add the Acai mix, almond-coconut milk and ice cubes.
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Puree until smooth.
The Sambazon Unsweetened Acai has 0 grams of sugar and is a bit tart - you will probably want to add a little agave for sweetness.
*I like Almond Breeze Almond/Coconut Blend, but pure almond or coconut milk works too.
Look how pretty the JSH Cafe Balboa Acai Bowl is. You can copy this at home using Sambazon SuperGreens (only 4 grams sugar), lower carb fruit (JSH’s has mango, banana and orange juice) and top with hemp seeds and Goji berries as shown.
Notes on fruit with the least amount of carbohydrates:
Fruit in general has a higher carbohydrate content than most vegetables due to naturally occurring sugars (fructose), which is why they’re sweeter. But that doesn’t mean you should avoid them – they contain vital nutrients, antioxidants and fiber that is beneficial to your health. If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, some fruit has a higher water content and therefore fewer carbs per standard serving, as well as fiber which contributes to fewer net carbs.
This fruit of summer scores lowest in carbohydrate content with only 7.55 grams per 100 grams of fruit. It’s also high in vitamin A and has a high water content, making it a great high-volume food because it will fill you up while providing fewer calories. Even the rind and seeds (included in the recipe below!) has health benefits.
2. Strawberries
Berries are a popular choice for people watching their carb intake, and strawberries have the least. For each 100 grams of strawberries, you’ll get just 7.68 grams of carbohydrate. They’re also an excellent source of potassium and vitamin C.
3. Cantaloupe
This popular orange melon is great on a hot summer day, and contains only 8.16 grams of carbohydrate per 100 grams of fruit. Some people like to eat melons like this and honeydew with tuna salad. Try blending it with lime, mint, and water to make a refreshing agua fresca.
4. Avocados
Yes, avocados are a fruit, and they have relatively low carbohydrate content and are high in heart healthy fats and fiber. For each 100 grams of avocado, you’ll get an estimated 8.64 grams of carbohydrates, 9.7 grams monounsaturated fats and a whopping 6.8 grams of fiber. Living in California, we can’t get enough of avocados in guacamole, salsas, poke and ceviche as well as on salads, sandwiches and tacos – so why not an açai bowl!
5. Honeydew
Another melon, honeydew, comes in at 9.09 grams of carbohydrates for every 100 grams. It’s also an excellent source of vitamin C as well as potassium, an electrolyte you need to maintain good blood pressure, pH balance, and a healthy metabolism.
6. Peaches
A juicy and sweet treat, peaches surprisingly don’t have too many carbohydrates. For every 100 grams of fruit, you’ll get 9.54 grams of carbs.
I’m going to try this Sambazon Smoothie right now, Priscilla. Your recipe seems delicious. I have a Vitamix professional blender that makes great smoothes and purees. I haven’t used it in a while, so now it’s a good time to do it. I miss our time together in North Carolina.
Hi Anda – Yes, put that Vitamix to work! You will love being able to make Sambazon acai smoothies at home. I miss our time in NC, too. Let’s plan a wine tasting trip to Santa Barbara!