I have to wake up pretty early in the morning for work. Luckily, I live alone so no one has to deal with my bad moods. I’m not really a morning person, as my one sister can attest to. In high school, I used to stare straight ahead and not talk when I was driving us to school in the morning.

I’ve progressed a little since then; now I can even speak full sentences before 8 a.m. I also think it helps to have something to look forward to when you wake up besides cereal or a pop tart.

Enter: smoothie bowls. Yes, I’m obsessed. No, I’m not sorry. They’ve really given me a creative outlet lately, and I love coming up with new combos or using pictures I see on Instagram or online for inspiration.

This bowl combines a bunch of my favorite things: strawberries, mango, bananas and chocolate. Sprinkle a little coconut on top and you’ll have a tropical treat for dreaded early mornings. And who knows? You might even be able to have a conversation with someone in more than monosyllables afterward.

Here’s a song to get your morning started right.

Strawberry Mango Cocoa Smoothie Bowl (from me, to you)

Ingredients

1 cup strawberries, stems removed
1/2 cup frozen mango cubes (or regular mango, cubed)
1 banana, fresh or frozen
1 cup almond milk
1/4 cup of Greek yogurt, or more for a thicker smoothie
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp maple syrup or agave
Strawberries, shredded coconut, mangoes sliced into matchsticks, and sliced banana for topping

Directions

Blend all the ingredients in a blender on high until smooth. Add the toppings. Enjoy!