Sunflower Acai Bowl

 
Sunflower Butter Acai Bowl

Only a few years ago, I looked at the grind-your-own nut butter station in Whole Foods with confusion in my eyes. I couldn't understand why you would want anything other than peanut butter - it was so perfect! Fast forward to the early stages of my wellness journey, and nut butters of every variety suddenly started stacking up in my refrigerator. In my smoothies, on top of my yogurt bowls, a dollop on a fig slice... let's just say I get it. Alternative butters rule. Here are a few varieties I've fallen in love with and their benefits: 

  • almond butter - a true superstar, with the fewest calories and most fiber

  • cashew butter - good source of phosphorus, magnesium, calcium and copper

  • walnut butter - dense with Omega-3 fats, which tell our bodies we are full

  • sunflower seed butter - a great alternative if you have a nut allergy. Full of fiber, magnesium and vitamin E

Sunflower seed butter is the newest on my radar. I saw the jar at Trader Joe's and couldn't help myself. It inspired this acai smoothie bowl and in my opinion is one of the star ingredients, though I'll be the first to admit any nut butter would do. However I love the twist of the flavor of sun butter - a bit bolder and tangier than nut butters. 

Sun butters are also a good source of protein, vitamin E, B vitamins, folic acid and selenium, and studies have shown that sunflower seed butter is anti-inflammatory and preventative against cancer and heart disease. 

Sunflower Seed Acai Smoothie by W+W

INGREDIENTS

1 frozen acai pack 

1 cup loosely packed spinach or super greens 

1/2 frozen banana 

1/4 cup frozen raspberries 

1/2 cup almond milk or coconut milk 

1-2 scoops protein powder (I used MoonJuice Blue Adaptogen Powder) 

1 tbsp sunflower seed butter (or your choice of nut butter) 

1 date to sweeten, if needed 

DIRECTIONS 

Add all ingredients to a high speed blender and blend until smooth. 

Add ice cubes or a splash more milk until you reach your desired consistency. 

Topping suggestions: granola, cherries, raspberries, unsweetened coconut flakes, bee pollen, sunflower seeds, sunflower seed butter 

Let me know if you try this recipe. I'd love to see it and share it! Tag me on Instagram: @tiffanynapper or #whitespaceandwellness

 

 

 
Food + Drink, RecipesTiffany Nappernut butter, sunflower seed butter, acai, smoothie bowl, recipeComment