Acai Berry Smoothie Bowl

This week's recipe is a great breakfast option perfect for our vegetarian patients. It's quick and takes 10 minutes to prepare.

The main ingredients in this recipe are greek yoghurt, berries, and pears.

Greek yoghurt is packed with protein, a nutrient that is in high demand for dialysis patients. It's also a good source of calcium and vitamin D, however, it may be high in potassium and phosphorus. Dietitians recommend limiting to a 4-ounce portion if you are following a low-potassium, low-phosphorus kidney diet.

Berries and berry supplements are a great source of antioxidants and vitamin C which is essential for dialysis patients.  Raspberries and blueberries can contain less than 150 mg of potassium per serving which is perfect for patients.  With CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease) having too much potassium in your blood can be fatal, which is why it is important to restrict intake. Raspberries also help with inflammation which is common in dialysis patients. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin K and have been shown to be higher in certain antioxidants, such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, compared with other types of berries. Acai berries, the star of this recipe, are shown to have high levels of antioxidants which help neutralize the effects of free radicals in the body. These berries also high in vitamin A and help lower bad cholesterol.

Pears are also considered apart of the low potassium group which make them kidney-friendly. 

Acai Berry Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients

• 1 packet frozen acai, unsweetened

• 1 cup mixed frozen berries, unsweetened

• 3/4 cup plain 2% low fat Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon chia seeds

• 1/2 cup rice milk, unsweetened, original, classic

• 2 tablespoons raspberries

• 2 tablespoons blueberries

• 1/4 fresh pear

Method

1. Remove frozen acai puree from the packaging and break up into pieces.

2. Place acai pieces, mixed frozen berries, Greek yogurt, chia seeds and rice milk in a blender.

3. Blend until smooth. Consistency should be thick enough to eat with a spoon.

4. Pour blended mixture evenly into two bowls.

5. Top with raspberries, blueberries and chopped pear.

Enjoy!