Summer is for Smoothies!

As summer plows ahead full steam and your little ones are invested in playing outside and soaking up all of the warm weather, it can be difficult to get them to slow down and take a water break – let alone a snack break! Incorporating smoothies into their summer adventures is an excellent way to pack in extra fruit, fiber and even some hidden veggies to keep them going all day long.

Smoothies are a great quick snack option. Aside from tasting great, they help add variety to your child’s diet and increases the range of vitamins and minerals they are getting! It also encourages them to help in the kitchen, which makes it a fun activity to do together. Below are some tips for making the most balanced, fueling and tasty smoothies; as well as a few of our favorite recipes you can try at home. Odds are your kiddos will be coming back asking for more with the endless number of fun flavors and colors to choose from.

Tip #1: Bring them to life with vibrant colors!

Kids love eating visually appealing things. The more color you add, the more nutritious fruits and vegetables it contains!

Female hand pours a smoothie of banana and spinach

Adding greens to smoothies gives a hearty boost of nutrients!

Tip #2: Keep them tasty.

Using the right ratio and kinds of fruits and vegetables is key to keep your little one coming back for more. Good vegetables to add that don’t take over the sweetness of the fruit are spinach, cauliflower and avocado. As for fruits, frozen banana, strawberries and mango are all smoothie staples.

Tip #3 Make it fun!

Your kiddos are all about the fun, and if you can make eating fruit and vegetables an entertaining activity all will benefit! Some ways to keep them intrigued are to let them pick the color of the smoothie you are making that day, using fun cups and straws, and coming up with fun names for each like “blazing’ berry blaster” or “superhero strawberry!”

Tip #4: Keep it simple!

Many recipes try to market expensive add-ins to make the “ultimate health smoothie.” Don’t fall for the gimmick! It only takes a few ingredients to create a well-balanced, creamy cup of goodness. Using frozen fruits and vegetables can help make the smoothie have a creamy texture you crave. Greek yogurt is a great way to add in some extra protein. Adding in ingredients such as hemp seeds, chia seeds, avocado and nut butters are also excellent ways to bulk up the smoothie and incorporate healthy fats/ Lastly, using milk (dairy or non-dairy) as your liquid will help provide the perfect consistency!

 

Our Favorite Recipes:
  1. Strawberry Banana Smash Smoothie
  • ½ frozen banana
  • ½ cup frozen strawberries
  • ½-2/3 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 3-4 ice cubes
  • ½ veggies – frozen or fresh (good options are cauliflower or spinach)
  • 1 tbsp of peanut butter
  • ¼ cup of Greek yogurt
  • Drizzle of honey to sweeten

 

  1. Green Monster Smoothie
  • ½ frozen banana
  • ½ cup frozen or fresh mango
  • ½ cup spinach
  • ¼ avocado
  • 3-4 ice cubes
  • 2/3 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Drizzle of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness
  1. Blueberry Blaster Smoothie
  • 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
  • ½ frozen banana
  • ¼ cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1 tbsp of peanut or other nut butter
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • Drizzle of honey
  • 3-4 ice cubes

By Mattie Vangelos

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