AIP Mango Paradise Breakfast Bowl

Bright Mango Breakfast Bowl: A Nutrient-Packed Morning Delight

This bright breakfast bowl is a nutritionally dense morning treat offering a burst of vitamins and fiber to help you begin a great day. As part of my rainbow breakfast bowl series, this orange bowl stands out for good reason. It’s packed with superfoods like mango and turmeric, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a healthy breakfast full of nutrients and vibrant flavors.

What You’ll Need for Your Mango Breakfast Bowl

Ingredients:

• 1 mango

• 1 frozen banana

• 1 carrot (boiled until soft, then cooled)

• Turmeric (fresh slice)

• The juice of one orange or grapefruit

• 1 cup coconut milk

Mango Season: The Perfect Time for a Mango Bowl

It is mango season in the jungle, and to be honest, it is the best mango season we’ve had since I arrived here over four years ago. Thanks to a specific climatic transition from drought and wildfires to hurricane season, the mangos have come in beautifully. This season's mangos have absorbed the benefits of all the rainfall from last year, making them extra juicy, free of gusanos (fruit worms), and perfect for eating.

During this time, we eat about 5-6 mangos a day and try to include them in as many recipes as we can. It’s a challenge not to incorporate mango into every meal! Since they are in such great condition this year, I’ve been adding them to my breakfast bowls. When I don’t have time to prepare a breakfast bowl, I simply grab a couple of fresh mangos from the tree and start my day with a boost of vitamins.

Health Benefits of Mangoes

Mangoes are not just delicious—they're also packed with nutrients. Here's why you should make them a part of your daily breakfast:

• Rich in Vitamin C: Mangoes are an excellent source of Vitamin C, which is essential for boosting your immune system and promoting healthy skin.

• High in Fiber: The fiber in mangoes aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy gut, making this breakfast bowl a great choice for gut health.

• Packed with Antioxidants: Mangoes contain powerful antioxidants like beta-carotene, which helps protect your body from harmful free radicals.

• Supports Eye Health: The high levels of Vitamin A in mangoes promote good vision and healthy eyes.

How to Prepare Your Mango Breakfast Bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Freeze the Banana & Boil the Carrot
  The night before, freeze the banana and boil the carrot until soft. Once cooled, these ingredients will create the perfect base texture for your breakfast bowl. The banana adds creaminess, while the soft carrot helps create a smoother blend. Pre-boiling the carrot is key to avoid adding hot vegetables to your bowl.

• Juice Your Orange or Grapefruit
  Use a handheld juicer to extract juice from your orange or grapefruit. If you prefer a sweeter and less tart bowl, go with orange. Grapefruit, however, can add a refreshing twist, although it yields more juice. If using grapefruit, the bowl may be a bit more watery, but you can adjust the consistency by reducing the amount of juice or setting it in the freezer longer.

• Blend the Ingredients
  In a blender, add:

  • The frozen banana

  • Peeled and diced mango

  • Softened carrot

  • 1 cup coconut milk

  • Slice of peeled turmeric

  • Orange or grapefruit juice Blend on high until the carrot breaks down fully, creating a creamy, bright orange mixture.

• Pour & Set
  Once blended, pour the mixture into your favorite bowl. Let it chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes before topping. This gives the mixture a chance to set and become nice and cool, which enhances the refreshing experience.

Topping Your Breakfast Bowl: Get Creative!

My recommended toppings include:

• Toasted shredded coconut for crunch

• Other fresh fruits like apple, pear, or papaya for added texture

• AIP-friendly additions: If you’ve successfully reintroduced nuts and seeds, they’re great options to sprinkle on top for extra nutrition.

• Optional toppings:

  • Toasted ginger: A great way to introduce a bit of spice to the mix

  • Fresh sliced starfruit: Just in season and adds a crisp, tropical touch

Boost the Nutritional Value:

To make your bowl even more nutrient-dense, consider adding:

• 1 avocado (may alter the color slightly but adds healthy fats)

• A second mango, carrot, or banana for extra sweetness and fiber

• A spoonful of maca powder for an energy boost and to help balance your hormones

• Chia seeds or hemp seeds for added omega-3s

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric, often known as a superfood, brings more than just flavor to this breakfast bowl. Here's why adding turmeric to your morning routine is a great idea:

• Anti-inflammatory Properties: The active compound curcumin in turmeric is well-known for its anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce pain and inflammation in the body.

• Boosts Brain Function: Curcumin has been shown to improve brain health, potentially reducing the risk of cognitive decline and enhancing memory.

• Supports Immune System: Turmeric strengthens the immune system due to its antioxidant and antibacterial properties.

• Improves Digestion: By promoting bile production, turmeric aids in digestion and helps alleviate bloating and discomfort after meals.

Final Thoughts: Enjoy Your Energizing Breakfast

Once blended, I like to let my breakfast bowls chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes before topping them. This allows the blend to settle and come out cold and refreshing. During this time, you can slice up the fruits you want to add on top or toast your shredded coconut.

Paired with a steaming cup of green tea, you’ll be ready to start your day off right. This mango breakfast bowl not only tastes amazing, but it’s also a great way to boost your energy and dive into your own mango paradise.