As a Mom of twin 5 year olds and it is always a challenge to find the time to whip up healthy concoctions in the kitchen. I am constantly questioning whether or not they are getting enough fruits and vegetables. My trusty, guilt-free standby is the not-so green smoothie. I call it this because I put spinach or other greens in it but I find a balance with berries that makes it turn a color other than green!
I’ve been doing this since the girls were just over a year old. They used to hear the blender and come toddling (looking like mini-frankensteins) yelling, “Smoo, smoo” (smoothie). I wish I had that on video (I might). 🙂
I add other things to this recipe including greens like kale, parsley, brewed nettles, and fresh fruits (not frozen). There is an amount of frozen to keep just to get that slushiness. You could just add ice though. Bananas make it creamy and I don’t like going without those. Some sort of milk product keeps it creamy too. We’ve used coconut, almond, soy (which I try to avoid now) and goat milk. I try to minimize the dairy but I’ve used various kinds of yogurt too.
These are some of the things I add to my Oster blender (under $100 at Target) to make one of my typical smoothies:
- 1-2 bananas---A smoothie MUST for the creaminess. (You can even peel and freeze bananas if they are starting to go bad)!
- 1 cup frozen organic mixed berries---Costco (I buy the large bags of frozen organic berries).
- 1 cup Unsweetened Coconut milk (the fewer the ingredients the better)---Trader Joes or Harris Teeter.
- 1 cup frozen mixed fruit---Costco (I buy the large bags of frozen peaches.).
- 1 handful washed, organic baby spinach---Costco (You can get Earthbound Organic Baby Spinach in the large container).
- 1-2 tbsp organic Ground Golden Flax Seed--- Costco.
- Add all ingredients to blender and blend. Add water to adjust to desired thickness.
- Get creative! Once you get this process down try different variations with other greens and fruits both fresh and frozen!
Assorted Fresh Melons
Papaya
Kiwi
Pineapple
Mango
The list is endless!
If the smoothie is too thick, add a little water at a time to desired consistency. No need to add ice if you are using frozen fruits or berries! Also, the best reusable container to put a smoothie for kids in? The Tupperware Tumblers!
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