If you’re anything like us, fighting the nagging craving for a sweet treat while trying to pursue a healthier lifestyle can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be. Instead of grabbing a bowl of ice cream, try a smoothie or acai bowl. 

Owned and operated by 21-year-old Cape Coral native, Ashley Yamamoto, along with her business partner Joseph Malu, Dream Earth Bowls offers a colorful, mouthwatering menu—sans the added sugar, artificial colors, and preservatives of many of our favorite treats. Instead, it has refreshing desserts that will not only satisfy your tastebuds, but actually do good by your body.

Both the Dream Earth Bowl and Earth Bowl start with strawberries, blueberries and bananas and the grape-like acai berry—often referred to as a superfood due to its density of of antioxidants and fiber. The Blossom Bowl contains an exotic blend of dragon fruit, mangos and strawberries and is topped with goji berries, among other tasty and healthy tidbits. And finally, the eye-catching Ocean Bowl, no doubt gets its name for its gorgeous blue-green hue. But this color is not the result of a chemical-laden colorant. It is instead from the use of blue majik spirulina in the smoothie blend. Spirulina is a microalgae that can be found in fresh and marine waters. Each bowl comes topped with crunchy granola and almonds, as well as the delightful—yet never overpowering—sweetness of honey and coconut flakes as garnish.  

So, the next time you’re craving a sweet treat, choose the mindful option and try a superfood bowl from Dream Earth Bowls. And while you’re there, take a minute to read/contribute to the their dreamboard stand—prompting those who order a bowl, 'What's Your Dream?'

And while a brick and mortar store may be on the horizon for the brand, Yamamoto shares, farmers markets have made her feel more connected with her community and develop a clear understanding of what people enjoy. Dream Earth Bowls is currently operating stands at four Southwest Florida farmers market locations: Captiva Island Farmers Market, Lakes Park Farmers Market, Sanibel Island Farmers Market and our very own Downtown Sarasota Farmers Market on Saturday mornings, 8am-1pm. 

Photo courtesy of dreamearthbowls.com, @dreamearthbowls