This Acai Smoothie is loaded with superfoods that will help to boost your energy levels and support your immune system. The perfect healthy way to start the day.
Gluten Free & Vegan
You guys…can you believe how close we are to September?!
I know I talk about how fast time is going way too much, but I can’t help myself.
I don’t know about you, but I am super-excited for fall.
Usually, I am excited, but this year it is kinda crazy.
I already have a notebook for holiday planning, Skye’s Halloween costume is purchased, and I’ve even been planning holiday content for the website. Last week I tested a gluten-free stuffing recipe.
I am not saying this to boast about how far ahead I am. It is just so out of character.
(If you have been around here in past years I am usually the Mom scrambling to find Halloween costumes a few days before and convincing the boys to be the same thing for the third year in a row because that is the only thing they have left. Again.)
I am working to lose some much-needed weight right now, and part of my plan for fall and winter (AKA the season for comfort food) is to include as many vegan superfoods as I can in my diet.
I’m also taking some new supplements that I love (more on that in another post), and also incorporating superfoods into my smoothies, like this Acai Smoothie. (Next up I want to try this Acai Bowl Recipe. Or this one. I can’t decide – aren’t they both beautiful?)
I am feeling better than I have in a long while. I can tell a difference in my energy levels, sleep, and hormones.
I also feel like I’m not suffering from cravings as badly as I was – probably because my body is getting the nutrients it needs.
Today’s Acai Smoothie is packed with three superfoods I’ve come to rely on.
Acai
While the jury is still out on whether acai berries can help with weight loss, we do know that they are a powerful superfood. They have one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants in any food. They are also rich in essential fatty acids and can help the body absorb and dissolve cholesterol. Additionally, they have a near perfect amino acid profile, which can help with muscle recovery, strength, immune function, and detoxification. Acai is also packed with an abundance of vitamins that support your health. This is the brand I recommend.
In addition to smoothies, acai powder is also good in lattes and smoothie bowls. 
Maca
Maca is a Peruvian root that boosts energy levels, strengthens the immune system, increases stamina and supports a healthy libido. It helps to balance your hormones and thyroid. It is a powerful adaptogen that helps the body adapt to and avoid damage from environmental factors like stress, poor diet, and toxins. Maca comes in different varieties, some of which can be very astringent. The first time I tried powdered Maca I threw the back away because I couldn’t get it down.
This Raw Red Maca is what I recommend for smoothies.
I take this Organic Premium Maca in capsule form. I can tell a tremendous difference in my energy levels since I have been taking it. I haven’t found any research to back it up yet, but I feel like since I started taking it, I am sleeping better. (Maybe because of my age and the impact on hormones?)
Cacao Nibs
Cacao Nibs are rich in magnesium, which is something most of us need more of. They are also loaded with antioxidants. Cocoa nibs are especially good for you adrenal health because they help to reduce cortisol production. They are not nearly as sweet as chocolate chips and have an espresso-like flavor. This is the brand I recommend.
Tools for Making an Acai Smoothie Recipe
Acai Smoothie
Acai Smoothie
Ingredients
- 2 cups cashew milk
- 1 banana peeled and sliced
- 1 cup strawberries diced
- 1/4 cup acai powder
- 1 tablespoon raw red maca powder
- 1/2 cup ice
- 2 tablespoons cacao nibs for garnish
Instructions
- Combine cashew milk, banana, strawberries, acai powder, maca powder and ice in a blender. Process until smooth. Garnish with cacao nibs and serve immediately.
Notes
Tips for Making this Acai Smoothie Recipe
- When making smoothies, I recommend adding the liquids to the blender first. Then add in powders, followed by solids.
- If you are not using frozen Acai packs, you may mix this smoothie with an immersion blender if you wish.
Variations for Acai Berry Smoothies
- Substitute raspberries or blueberries for the strawberries.
- Add in a cup of spinach or kale for an additional punch of nutrition. (You will want to use a high-speed blender for this option.)
- Use fresh squeezed orange juice in place of the milk.
- For a sweeter smoothie, add in a tablespoon of Swerve or a few soaked dates.
- For extra protein add in protein powder of vanilla yogurt.
- Make this nut-free by using organic soy milk or other tolerated milk of choice.
That sounds amazing! That’s not a smoothie, that’s a total meal! I can’t wait to make this.
Acai sound like they’re good berries to include in the diet. This smoothie should be a lot of fun to try!
This sounds like my kind of smoothie! It has all the nutrition that you need to keep you going and I’m sure it tastes delightful! I’d love to try and make it.
I think this would be such a delicious way to start off your day! And Acai can be paired with so many other foods in a smoothie!
This looks delicious! It is so important to give our body what it really needs, and I know it does make your body work better in turn, making you feel better. I have actually never heard of Maca. I know I need to eat better and make better food choices. I definitely need to give this a try!
Not only does it look great, I bet it tastes great too. I love this kind of smoothie since it really is a great way to help put healthy essentials in to the body.
That is a really great smoothie! I will have to try this some time.
This sounds like such a healthy smoothie. I have been hearing a lot about maca.
I’m going to pin this, looks and sounds delicious. I love to make smoothies,
Oh, how I love a good smoothie in the morning. I need to invest in some Acai because I know the benefits of it.
I love smoothies for breakfast. I’m going to add this to my grocery list so I can give it a try.
I tried acai berry drinks before but they were so tart! I will try your recipe. The banana would give a little sweetness to it. Thanks for the recipe. This is one super nutritious drink!
Wow. A complete, nutritious meal in a glass! I like that you used cashew milk and added a banana too. Sounds really delicious. I’m going to make this soon as I have all ingredients.
I have everything but the cashew milk and maca powder. I am going to the store and buying them asap so I can make this smoothie!