If you’re like me and crave ice cream during the summer, let me introduce you to a better alternative: an ice-cold acai bowl.
Pronounced “ah-sah-ee,” this special Brazilian berry is loaded with anti-oxidants, which are known to help protect your body’s cells from getting damaged by free radicals and have the potential to prevent heart disease, diabetes and various conditions related to aging.
This magical berry is so good for you, and it’s delicious too. One of the best ways to enjoy it is in an acai bowl, when its frozen puree is blended with frozen bananas and berries and topped with fresh fruit and crunchy toppings.
Z-TIP: If you have kids and want them to experience a healthy dessert, get them to try one of these delicious treats. These bowls are better than ice cream and can even be eaten for breakfast!
I sampled many bowls picked my top 3 go-to places in Boca and beyond.
Apura Juicery (22191 Powerline Rd., 20B // 561/430-3596)
The number one best-selling bowl here is the delicious PB & Acai bowl, which includes a blend of frozen blueberries, frozen banana, acai, peanut (or almond) butter, homemade almond milk and coconut water. It is then topped with crunchy granola, creamy nut butter, fresh banana, fresh berries and coconut.
Being a chocolate lover, I absolutely love the Chocolate Euphoria bowl, which includes: fresh coconut meat, protein powder and maca root, a combination of which can keep you full and energized for hours. I felt like I was eating dessert, yet it’s so nutrient-dense and satisfying that I chose to skip dinner because I simply wasn’t hungry.
BONUS: Out of all the bowls I tried, Apura included the most generous portion of the acai berries per serving, making them nutritional powerhouses.
Raw Juce (2200 Glades Rd., #403, Glades Plaza // 561/424-JUCE)
The most popular bowl here is the Berry Hemp Banana, which has frozen bananas, strawberries, blueberries, acai and hemp seeds all topped with raw cacao nibs, chopped raw almonds and raw honey. It has a very light taste and a mild acai flavor that resemble a delicate sorbet. No wonder regulars come here to order it as their daily treat.
If you are in the mood to take your nutrition up another notch, try the Amazon Green Energy Bowl, which has chlorophyll-rich spinach, chard and spirulina blended with the frozen fruit. Chlorophyll is known to help purify the blood and detoxify from heavy metals. But don’t be alarmed by the green color – this bowl is refreshing and delicious!
Z-TIP: If you need energy before hitting the mall, going to the gym or just need a pick-me-up, then definitely try the Amazon Green Energy bowl.
Dr. Juice (222 Commercial Blvd., Unit 104, Lauderdale by the Sea // 954/369-5869)
Inspired by his nine years of work experience as a medical device consultant, Pai Dayan opened Dr. Juice Café to help people prevent dis-ease by indulging in good-for-you, delicious concoctions.
The best-selling bowl here is the Almond na Tigela, which features frozen acai berries, almond milk, frozen strawberries, frozen banana and almond butter. It is topped with granola, honey and coconut flakes, giving it a perfect balance of smooth and crunchy textures.
My favorite bowl here is the Dragon Fruit Bowl. This gorgeous, fuchsia-colored dish includes: frozen dragon fruit, almond milk, frozen strawberries and mango and is topped with fresh berries, granola, honey and coconut flakes. It is refreshing for both your eyes and your mouth.
BONUS: I love that Dr. Juice is located in the center of Lauderdale by the Sea, so if you are going to the beach and craving ice cream, you can easily indulge in this perfect alternative treat.
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About Alina Z.
Alina Z., aka “The Green Goddess,” is a certified holistic health coach, detox specialist and raw-food chef (she conducts occasional classes at Whole Foods in Boca). Prior to moving to Florida, Alina hosted her own TV show in Maryland—“Entertaining A to Z”—for people who didn’t have time to cook but wanted to eat healthy. Catch one of her web episodes at eHow.com, visit Alina’s website at alinaz.com, or follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/CoutureFood) or Twitter (@CoutureFood). The Green Goddess blog runs every other Wednesday at bocamag.com.
