Now that summer is finally on it’s way, acai bowls will definitely be popping up on the menu.

Whilst they are packed with antioxidants….they are also unfortunately packed with calories!! This is something to take into consideration if you are still working hard towards that summer body.

Acai - pronounced Ah-sigh-ee is a berry from South America known for it’s high antioxidant level. The berry alone is not the culprit for the high level of calories (mainly sugar) in the acai bowls. It usually comes down to what it has been mixed with and the toppings chosen.

To get the right thick consistency the acai berries or paste are usually blended with frozen fruit (banana or other berries) with a touch of dairy free milk. The toppings can range from chopped fresh or dried fruit, granola, nuts and seeds.

An acai bowl can range anywhere from 300kcal - 800kcal per a bowl, having as much as 100g sugar. Yes it’s all natural sugar from the fruit…but unfortunately our bodies treat all sugar the same - whether it’s from a chocolate bar or from a banana. The benefit to having the fruit sugar is that you will be getting other vitamins, minerals and fibre from the fruit.

Enjoy an acai bowl every now and then - but remember calorie wise, it probably isn't the best option.