I used to wake up every morning and make a smoothie bowl for breakfast. Then I realized how good it felt to press snooze three times on my alarm and curl up into the fetal position in bed.

Still, sometimes I have an impulse to make a bowl so I drag myself out of bed early. Even though I’m tired and grumpy, making the bowl usually puts me in a good mood.

Cut to: This morning. It was cold and all I wanted to do was hide under my comforter but I had a vision of an avocado heart. I also had a bunch of spinach in the fridge that was on its way out. I decided to make a green smoothie bowl.

Originally I was going to use a cookie cutter to make the avocado heart but I couldn’t find the cutter. I was already running late for work so I took a paring knife and decided to try to cut one myself.

It was a success. I’m glad I learned that I can do that. Now I want to try carving avocados into all different shapes including stars.

I like making green bowls because they’re a more enjoyable way to drink a green smoothie. Usually when I’m in a rush, I throw everything in a blender, pulse it a few times, and pour it into a tall glass and drink it as I’m running around packing my bags for work.

With a green smoothie bowl, I take my time. I sit at the table with a straw and a spoon, fishing out chia seed=covered bananas and blueberries. I take leisurely sips, even though I look up at the clock and see that it’s 7:40. I have to be at work at 8 and my commute is 30 minutes with no traffic.

Still, I’d advocate for taking time to enjoy the simple things rather than being on time for work. Showing up 15-20 minutes late once in a while doesn’t hurt anyone. This sounds like a horrible philosophy but I think it’s one worth following.

I just saw a quote yesterday that really spoke to me: “Rien n’est plus sérieux que le plaisir.” Or, “Nothing is more serious than pleasure.” We should make time for the things we love. It’s very serious business.

Here’s a song that reminds me of this smoothie bowl. It’s light and chill but it still has attitude.

Green Smoothie with Avocado Heart

Ingredients

2 cups baby spinach
1 avocado, halved
1 cup almond milk
1 banana, halved
1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
chia seeds, almond slices, vanilla granola, and blueberries for topping

Directions

Blend the baby spinach, half an avocado, almond milk, banana, and pineapple chunks in a blender until smooth. Carve the other half of the avocado into a heart using a paring knife. You can do this by removing the green part of the avocado from the skin with a spoon. Then, slice it horizontally through the middle so you have the thickest part remaining. Use this part to carve the heart.

Pour the smoothie into a bowl and top with the avocado heart, banana slices, chia seeds, almond slices, vanilla granola, and blueberries. Enjoy!