Hydrating Smoothie Bowls

By Maris Altieri RD, LMP Coordinator

We all know that hydration is important, but do you know why? If we don't have enough water in our systems, it makes it really difficult for our bodies to undergo essential functions. Water helps carry nutrients and oxygen to our cells, cushions our joints, normalizes our blood pressure, stabilizes our heartbeat, aids digestion, and more! In fact, 60% of the adult human body is water! 

Not only is it important to nourish our bodies by drinking water, but also through eating hydrating foods. The refreshing recipe below uses cantaloupe and strawberries, which are approximately 90% water. I recommend topping this bowl with hearty nuts and seeds for an added protein boost and to make it more filling. 

Hydrating Smoothie Bowl

Serves: 1   Prep time:3 minutes   Cooking time: N/A

Ingredients:

• 1 banana, frozen
• 1/2 cantaloupe, frozen and cubed
• 1 tsp flaxseed
• Splash of milk of choice
• 1 cup ice
• Fun toppings: fresh fruit, nuts, seeds, dried fruit

Directions: 

1. Freeze banana and cantaloupe
2. Add banana, cantaloupe, splash of milk, flaxseed and ice to blender. Blend for 30 seconds or until smooth
3. Add toppings and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for 1 large serving without toppings: Calories: 141, total fat: 1.3 g, saturated fat: 0.3 g, cholesterol: 0 g, sodium: 20 mg, total carbohydrate: 33.3 g, dietary fiber: 4.3 g, total sugars: 19.9 g, protein: 2.3 g, iron: 1 mg (6%), potassium: 628 mg (13%)