Pink Protein Smoothie Bowl

You have probably seen many variations of the smoothie bowl. This one uses just five simple ingredients that can be interchanged to your exact liking. The main star is the pink pitaya – also known as dragon fruit. This exotic tropical fruit provides not just its lustrous color but a high dose of fiber too. A close second is whey protein – for its many health benefits including building and maintaining firm muscles, but also for keeping our skin tight and our hair and nails beautiful too.

What is Pitaya?

The ingredient that makes this smoothie pink, also known as Dragon Fruit for its green and pink scaly like skin, is a tropical fruit found in Mexico and Central America. There are a few varieties of Pitaya, so when choosing, be sure you’re picking the variety that is pink on the inside and not white! There is also a yellow variety.

This fruit is low in calories – just 60 Kcal in 100 g. It’s also high in fiber and provides a source of antioxidant vitamin C and minerals iron and magnesium. It also contains phyto-antioxidants including beta-carotene and betalains.

Why Whey Protein?

Protein provides a source of amino acids, which are the building blocks of muscle. Without adequate high quality, high bioavailable protein in the diet, it can be hard to gain or maintain lean muscle, let alone support skin, hair and nail health. A diet that provides adequate protein – 0.8 to 1.0 g/lb of lean body mass each day is the first way to ensure you’re getting enough of this macronutrient. Protein sources should primarily come from a variety of sources such as lean meats, poultry, whole eggs, dairy and plant sources such as legumes, peas, brown rice, chickpeas, soy and beans.

Dairy protein including whey protein is one of the best, most bio-available proteins you can get. Whey protein delivers between 80 to 95% protein per scoop, and delivers all the essential amino acids needed to stimulate muscle growth and repair. Choose a whey protein that is sourced from organic, free-range dairy cows will ensure that you’re getting a clean, hormone-free protein! Want to know more about protein – go here!

What’s in this Pink Protein Smoothie Bowl:

Need an energizing, protein boost for breakfast or a sweet, satisfying dessert? Try this Pink Protein Smoothie Bowl – high in protein and energizing carbs. Here’s what you’ll need.

Almond Milk – use unsweetened, organic almond milk, you could also use coconut milk, oat milk or even dairy milk if you prefer. Almond milk is low in calories, high in calcium and vitamin D and E.

Coconut Yoghurt – this plant-based yoghurt provides healthy beneficial bacterial to help balance the gut bacteria. It will also provide some thickness to your smoothie bowl and another boost of protein. Not a fan of coconut, use dairy yoghurt or soy yoghurt instead.

Pitaya– be sure to use pink pitaya if you want this delicious, bright pink color. Frozen is best for blending, so if you buy it fresh be sure to chop it up into cubes and freeze before using.

Banana – will provide a creamy smoothness. Bananas are also high in potassium, perfect for hydrating and deliver an electrolyte boost. Slice a few for on top.

Coconut Shreds –high in fibre and good source of fats. They will add a crunch to the top of your smoothie bowl.

Chia Seeds –high in the good fat omega-3, provide more than flax seed. Omega-3 is good for the heart, and also essential for healthy brain function and hormone production.

Whey Protein – to add a protein boost, include a scoop of grass fed, New Zealand whey protein, or plant protein if you desire. Protein is essential for muscle building but also for keeping our skins firm and tight!

How to Make This Pink Smoothie Bowl:

Place pitaya, banana, yoghurt and almond milk into blender, blend on high for 20 to 30 seconds until fully blended. Do not over blend – you want to have the consistency of soft serve ice cream!