Trying to stay on the right track after your workout?

Now there’s a tasty way to ensure you don’t ruin all your hard work in the gym by hitting the chipper as soon as you cool down; Bear Bowls is bringing fresh, healthy, and wholesome snacks to the masses in Ballincollig.

Located on Parade Street in the busy town, the café is the brainchild of owner Michael Kavanagh, who has been working in hospitality for over three decades.

The menu includes smoothie bowls, smoothies, juices, blended juices, and Treat Yo Self Bowls made using ingredients that are locally sourced. Coffee is by Clonakilty-based Stone Valley Roasters.

 

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Following a health scare in 2020, Kavanagh sought the help of a number of fitness professionals to aid his recovery, which is how he began working with a nutritionist.

With a fresh focus on the food he was putting into his body, the entrepreneur saw a gap in the market in Ballincollig for fresh healthy food made to order, and Bear Bowls was born.

“As part of any fitness programme it is vital that we feed our body correctly; our body and mind are linked to what we eat,” Michael told Yay Cork.

“Not only do we need to exercise regularly, but we also need to fuel and reduce toxins.”

You don’t have to tell us twice; we’re already eyeing up the Espresso Yourself smoothie (double espresso, coconut milk, banana, date, cacao, cinnamon, vanilla protein powder, peanut butter – €6.75) and the Berry Bliss bowl ( a base of strawberries, raspberries, banana and oat milk topped with banana, strawberry, raspberries, blueberries, peanut butter, goji berries, and desiccated coconut – €7.95).

If it’s a sugar craving you’re trying to satisfy, order the Notella; salted Nobo ice cream, crushed hazelnuts, cocoa nibs, dark chocolate buttons, honeycomb and zero-calorie chocolate sauce.

There’s even an option for those on a keto plan – the Ketolicious is a mouthwatering blend of full fat Greek yogurt, cocoa, grain-free coco, and nut granola, almond butter, cocoa nibbs, toasted coconut, chia seed and strawberries.

Whether you’re a gym goer or not, The Cure (a juice of apples, lime, cucumber, spinach, and mint) could be just what the doctor ordered if you’ve spent too long in one of the local beer gardens too.

Bear Bowls opens at 7.30am.