When my kids hear the blender, they always come running. They know it’s “smoothie time!” But while they think they are getting a special, sweet treat, they’re actually getting a nutritious, vitamin-packed snack.
I always start my smoothies with the same foundation ingredients: yogurt, banana, ground flax seed, and spinach. From there, I add other available ingredients I have in the house. I’ve used blueberries, strawberries, apples, carrots, peaches, and pears. If you’re looking for an especially creamy texture, try avocados. Get creative! You can add almost any fruit or vegetable you want.
If you want to thicken, add instant oatmeal.
If you want in thinner, use baby rice cereal.
If your kids like it a bit sweeter, try adding agave nectar, vanilla coffee syrup, plain pancake syrup, or honey. However, it’s surprising how much the bananas alone sweeten the mix.
For convenience, I like to freeze a lot of my fruits in freezer bags. By using some frozen fruit, the smoothies blend into a dessert, milkshake-like texture.
Helpful Tip:
It’s best to serve smoothies through a straw, because of the thick consistency. Old Navy sells a great reusable kids cup with a durable straw that doesn’t pull out.
I hope your family enjoys smoothie time as much as mine does!