Tag: healthy

SurfBerry Releases Signature Ben Bourgeois and Mason Barnes Açaí Bowls in celebration of National Açaí Bowl Day on Saturday April 6th, 2013

Surfberry is proud to take part in Sambazon’s National Açaí Bowl day and release their expanded menu with 50% off all bowls. Popularized on the beaches of Brazil and the cafes of Rio, a traditional açaí bowl is a thick-blended smoothie of frozen açaí berries poured into a bowl and topped with fresh fruit plus granola. Packed withantioxidants, healthy omegas and nutrition from real whole-food ingredients, these bowls energize bodies and souls.

 

“Several years ago I experienced my first açaí bowl on a surf trip to Hawaii, after one bite I was hooked” said Rick Civelli, Co-Founder of SurfBerry. “Since that first bowl I had dreamed of opening a café in Wrightsville Beach to share this Amazon Superfood with my local community. It is beyond delicious, healthy, organic and the perfect Surf, SUP, Run or exercise snack”.

 

Two of their new Açaí Bowls are named after local surf stars. The “Benny B Bowl” is named after Professional Surfer Ben Bourgeois and the “Mason Bowl” after current ASP Junior competitor Mason Barnes. “Whenever these two are home from their international surf travels they were always stopping by for their unique bowl creations. I am honored to have them both represent SurfBerry and to be able to fuel their energy with our diverse menu.” Says Rick.

 

Mason spent the winter in Hawaii charging big Pipeline and just returned home. He will be at SurfBerry from 10:00am until Noon on Saturday April 6th to sign autographs, answer questions to Groms about professional surfing and to tell stories about his winter adventures.

 

Sambazon’s first National Açaí Bowl Day is being celebrated in more than 30 states, from Hawaii to New York, with plans to make the national day an annual event.

 

Since I was a kid, ice cream has been a staple to my summer experience. When someone mentions the word “summer,” I get flashbacks to a local ice cream place within walking distance to my home back in Cary. I think about the warm summer nights, not too hot and not too cool, spent with my family or friends, sitting outside and enjoying a cup of that sugary frozen delicacy topped with hot fudge, whipped cream and a cherry. I have nothing but good associations with this sweet treat, nothing but fond memories of freedom and happiness.

 

One thing that is not happy about my ice cream addiction, however, is my waistline.

 

As the summer months roll around again, I find myself craving ice cream but facing the fact that it’s basically frozen sugar and cream. Because I’m trying to get in shape and generally adopt a healthier lifestyle, it’s time to explore alternatives. One such alternative that seems to be all the rage in Wilmington is frozen yogurt, or “froyo.” But is frozen yogurt really better for you? Is it healthy at all? It definitely tastes like soft serve. There’s no way something healthy can also taste good, right? I mean, that’s too good to be true.

 

Actually…it turns out, it can.

 

Frozen yogurt’s nutrition starts at the beginning. Yogurt is a fermented food made by adding live bacterial cultures to milk.

 

“…there are bacteria in my frozen yogurt,” you say to yourself with horror.

 

Actually, this is the good kind of bacteria, like the kind you would find in cheese. The bacteria in yogurt promote fermentation, releasing lactic acid, which thickens the milk and gives yogurt its thick, smooth consistency. Turning regular yogurt into frozen yogurt is a lot like making ice cream. The difference, and this is what makes froyo healthy, is that instead of the cream, you use yogurt. This cuts out a significant amount of fat, and also has higher amounts of minerals and nutrients. An 8 oz, or 1 cup, serving of yogurt can provide almost half your daily calcium allowance!

 

Back to that bacteria. The bacteria in yogurt are actually one of the main sources of yogurt’s nutritional value. When eaten, bacteria reside in your intestines and help to fight and protect against cancer, including colon and breast cancers. Aside from your immune system, the bacteria also work as a probiotic, improving your digestive health.

 

The bottom line: Yes. Frozen yogurt is good for you. Definitely, significantly better than feeding your (my) ice cream addiction. But, like anything else, you should enjoy in moderation. With tons of fresh fruit toppings and amazing flavor combinations to choose from at SurfBerry, I’m sure I can find something that suits whatever mood I’m in, whether I want something healthy or a sweet indulgence that’s guilt free!