In my house, my family and I struggle daily with including the correct proportions of vegetables in our diet. (Head to Choosemyplate.org to find out how many servings of veggies you and your littles should be eating each day.) Many years ago, pre-kids, I went on a green smoothie kick and decided that could be an easy way to bring more vegetables and fruits into my diet. The problem is, it’s hard to find a delicious green smoothie…you know, one that doesn’t taste like compost pile sludge. Below are four “Mother Tested & Kid-Approved” green smoothies to become a staple in your household.
.. But first, Friendly Green Smoothie Tips!
- In my opinion, spinach is the least overwhelming flavor of all the leafy greens. I would encourage you to use this as a starter for your family’s green smoothie experience.
- Blend the spinach with the liquid first to reduce unpleasant chunks. (Feel free to use a strainer if you think it is too chunky for your littles.) Then blend in the other ingredients.
- Use frozen fruit, not ice.
- Have your kiddos drink out of a straw! My favorite straws are reusable metal straws.
Orange Julius
Adapted from Simple Green Smoothies – an amazing resource for you to try out other new smoothies for your family!
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh spinach
2 oranges (peeled)
1/4-1/2 cup Almond Milk
1 frozen banana
Directions:
Blend the spinach, peeled oranges, and almond milk. Strain this mixture so smoothie does not contain chunks of orange rind. Pour the chunk-free mixture back into the blender and blend with the frozen banana. Pour into your glasses and enjoy!
Berry Chocolate
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup of frozen berries (medley)
1 cup of a non-dairy milk alternative (Almond, Coconut, Soy, etcetera)
1 tablespoon Cacao Powder or Cocoa Powder
Directions:
Blend the spinach with the milk. Add in the frozen berries and cacao powder. Blend until smooth, pour into your glasses, and enjoy!
Tropical Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh spinach
1 1/2 cups Coconut Milk
1 T. Coconut oil
1/2 avocado
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen mango or pineapple
Directions:
Blend coconut milk and spinach until smooth. Add the coconut oil, avocado, frozen banana, and frozen mango or pineapple (..or feel free to add both and add more liquid to the blender!). Blend until completely mixed together, then serve.
Blueberry Banana
Ingredients:
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup non-dairy milk alternative
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 banana (frozen or fresh)
Directions:
Blend milk and spinach until smooth. Add in the blueberries and bananas, then blend. Pour and serve!
What are your family’s favorite healthy smoothies?
