Acai bowl (1 piece)

Choose an unsweetened acai base and avoid added syrups, honey, agave, juice, sweetened granola, and candy-like toppings.

Keep the bowl smaller and use a thicker base with less fruit puree; ask for extra ice or unsweetened yogurt instead of additional sweeteners.

Add protein such as plain Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or an unsweetened protein powder to slow absorption.

Include fiber- and fat-containing toppings such as chia seeds, ground flaxseed, walnuts, almonds, or peanut butter with no added sugar.

Use modest portions of lower-sugar toppings such as strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries rather than bananas, dates, or dried fruit.

Eat the bowl after a balanced meal or alongside protein rather than on an empty stomach, and take a 10–20 minute walk afterward if appropriate for you.