Nutritionist answers: can I exchange my meal for açaí? – GOOD SHAPE

Be it in the bowl, in the smoothie or in VitaminO açaí it has been part of fitness menus for a long time. The passion is such that many people replace lunch or dinner with it. But is this habit correct? We asked two experts.

For nutritionist Juliana Pereira, consultant at Açaí 61, in São Paulo, the idea is that at least the main meals of the day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) are maintained. “The food bowl may not contain all the nutrients necessary for the body to function properly”, explains Juliana.

However, it is obvious that he is a viable option if you are thinking of attacking a combo of fast food. “Most of the options of the big restaurant chains offer food with so-called empty calories, that is, without beneficial effects for the body”, says nutritionist Andrea Takayama, consultant at OAKBERRY, from São Paulo.

Much more than just a fruit

Despite the complete dish (with vegetables, carbohydrates and proteins in the right measure) is still the best thing for your food routine, you don’t have to abandon açaí forever in your life, see? In fact, it can include guilt-free!

Fruit of a tree called açaizeiro, it is found in South American countries and can be considered functional due to its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. And, contrary to what many people think, açaí alone has a low Sugar levelwhich means it takes time to break down into blood glucose.

Not to mention that it contains fibers, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, calcium, manganese, potassium and phosphorus. Furthermore, it is rich in antioxidants, such as anticytocin, which helps fight free radicals in the body. Want better fruit?

The problem is that the combinations we make to consume the food usually include syrups, honey, condensed milk… And that’s when it stops being healthy to become a dessert very caloric. To avoid this, you need to make healthier choices.

“The pulp itself already offers several benefits to the organism, but we can add even more with fibers such as chia and oats, proteins such as whey protein, peanuts and cashew nuts (good fats), carbs with fruit and granola or whole grains,” explains Andrea.

The recipe, by the way, is an excellent pre-workout and can give you the energy you need for that heavier workout. How about betting on one of our recipes? Check it out:

Acai bowl with cupuaçu

Acai and chocolate truffle

Acai, strawberry and banana shake