Smoothie Bowls Better Than Ice Cream

Next time you have a pint of Chunky Monkey on your mind, whip up a smoothie bowl instead. "Smoothie bowls are fast becoming a fave snack (or meal), as a healthy alternative to ice cream or frozen yogurt," says McKel Hill, a dietitian, nutritionist, and creator of Nutrition Stripped. Like good old-fashioned ice cream, smoothie bowls are cold, creamy, and thick enough to scoop with a spoon—with the added bonus of nutrient-rich fruits and veggies. Fire up the blender and give these game-changing recipes a go.

 Smoothie Bowl: Carrot Cake Protein

Smoothie bowls are a fun, fresh way to get all your essential nutrients without sacrificing taste, says Casey of Casey's Wholesome Kitchen. They're thicker than regular fruit smoothies, but lighter than ice cream, so you feel satisfied, not weighed down. Exhibit A: This carrot cake protein smoothie bowl will keep you full till lunch.



 Smoothie Bowl: Blueberry Banana Crunch

Need an enticing way to slip more greens into your diet? This blueberry banana crunch smoothie bowl from Nutrition Stripped crams 3 cups of raw spinach into a single serving. Don't worry—you'll be too smitten by the blueberry, crunchy goodness to notice.

 Smoothie Bowl: Pumpkin Pie

Kath from Kath Eats Real Food credits the rise of smoothie bowls to their creativity (the infinite flavor variations and topping possibilities!). Prime example: This pumpkin pie smoothie bowl combines a velvety pumpkin base topped with crunchy granola and flaky coconut to create a beautiful balance of textures.

 Smoothie Bowl: Chocolate Hazelnut Hemp

Adding a little earthy-flavored hemp gives this chocolate hazelnut smoothie bowl from My Darling Vegan a healthy heap of protein, iron, and omega-3s.

 Smoothie Bowl: Pitaya Breakfast Bowl

Pitaya (also known as dragon fruit) is a super-rich source of antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, and B vitamins, according to Anya from Golubka Kitchen. Plus, it's naturally hot pink. How sweet is that?

 Smoothie Bowl: Avocado with Cashew Cream
Smooth, buttery avocado propels this sensational smoothie bowl from Food Faith Fitness to new heights of creaminess.

 Smoothie Bowl: Coconut Banana Oats with Quinoa

The black sesame quinoa cereal in this recipe from Half Baked Harvest has fewer calories than granola—but with the same crunch factor.