So until I visit Brazil one day, my twist of this typical Brazilian smoothie bowl made of frozen and mashed açaí fruit will have to do! You may have heard of this insta-trendy berry gracing your feed and for good reason, it’s one of the highest antioxidant containing foods out there!

The ingredients I’ve used below in this smoothie bowl are to help increase the health and elasticity of your skin.

Berries: the best fruits to consume in terms of antioxidants. Power-fruit açaí (pronounced ah-sigh-EE) ranks as one of the highest. You can definitely substitute any of your favourite berries for açaí.

Cucumber: contains silica which boosts moisture and elasticity.

Walnuts: known to improve skin aging because they contain omega 3 fatty acids. Those fatty acids are essential for healthy cell membranes — which hold moisture in and keep harmful things out.

Spices: like turmeric and cinnamon are superfoods when it comes to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.

Collagen protein: It’s the main protein found in the connective tissues, which includes the skin! There is no vegan source of collagen which exists, so you can leave this ingredient out if you wish and simply use a vegan protein powder.

Whey or vegan protein powder: Your body uses protein to build and repair tissues and is an important building block of your skin. I am big on fermented products in order to help the skin from the inside out so I normally rotate between these fermented vegan and whey protein powders. Fermented foods promote overall digestive health and healthy gut bacteria which is a huge factor towards achieving glowing skin.

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup boxed coconut milk (or coconut water or any other plant based milk is OK)
• 1 açaí packet or 1 scoop of freeze dried powdered version (or use 1/2 cup berries of choice)
•  1 scoop collagen protein (optional, but great for added skin support!)
• 1 scoop of vanilla protein powder
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 inch chunk of cucumber
• 5 walnuts
• 1/4 tsp of cinnamon or turmeric
• Ice cubes (optional)

Toppings: whatever you like! unsweetened coconut flakes, hemp seeds, goji berries, sliced almonds, fresh berries, sliced kiwi, granola, etc

1. Add all ingredients to a high speed blender in the order listed.
2. Blend on high until all the ingredients are incorporated and a creamy texture is achieved.
3. Pour into a bowl and add whatever delicious toppings you have on hand.NOTE: I am not sponsored by any of these products linked. I am sharing recommendations of products I have personally tested on myself.