Wondering what you can have for breakfast besides cereal or a slice of toast? Look no further than this smoothie bowl. It doesn’t just look delicious, it tastes it, too! Eating it will leave you feeling full & energized for at least three hours.

Besides being packed full of various vitamins and minerals, it also provides your body with all of the three macronutrients needed for optimal health: protein, fats and carbohydrates.

Veronica Shah/Healthsomeness.com

Ingredients

1/2 cup cucumber – despite being firm and sturdy when held, cucumbers are made up of more than 90% water. This means that eating them helps to hydrate your body. This is important, especially first thing in the morning because you lose a lot of water when you sleep.

1/2 avocado – the majority of the fat found in avocados is monounsaturated fat, which is one of the healthiest kinds. Avocados are also a great source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and helps lower cholesterol levels.

1/2 cup frozen pineapple – half a cup of pineapple provides you with more than 60% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. Not only does this vitamin help with wound healing and gum health, it also assists your body in absorbing iron from food and promotes heart health.

1 cup mixed berries (1/2 cup frozen) – berries taste wonderful whether eaten on their own or used in recipes. They are rich in antioxidants, which fight off free radical damage in our bodies. Some of the best berries to use in smoothies are strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries and blackberries.

1 tablespoon hemp protein powder – this protein is obtained from hemp seeds and is suitable for individuals who don’t tolerate gluten or dairy well. It is also a complete protein which means that it provides your body with all nine essential amino acids.

1 banana (1/2 frozen) – bananas are one of the most popular ingredients used in smoothies & smoothie bowls. This is because they have a lovely texture and help to thicken everything up. They also keep you feeling full, assist with weight management and improve digestion.

1/2 kiwifruit – also known as the Chinese gooseberry, kiwifruit is rich in vitamin C & K. The latter is a fat-soluble vitamin that is required for blood clotting and bone health. If kiwifruit is not available, you can replace it with half an orange or peach instead.

1 tablespoon of chia seeds – these seeds, while tiny, pack a nutritional punch. They are high in manganese, phosphorus & calcium, help to fight constipation and reduce inflammation. You can also use flax or pumpkin seeds in place of them.

1 cup coconut water – and finally, a liquid to help mix all the ingredients up. Coconut water is sweet tasting, thanks to the natural sugar that it contains. It also provides your body with vital electrolytes, such as magnesium & potassium.

Veronica Shah/Healthsomeness.com

Preparation

First blend the coconut water, cucumber, avocado, frozen pineapple, frozen berries, hemp protein powder and frozen banana for 30 seconds or so. If you don’t have one or are looking for a new model, you can find some great smoothie blenders here.

Once blended, pour the smoothie into a bowl. Chop up the kiwifruit, banana, berries and place on top of the smoothie, together with the chia seeds.

Then all you need is a large spoon to dig in and enjoy!