Fruit & Veggie Smoothies

My blender has been working overtime these days. Talya has become obsessed with smoothies. She drinks one almost every day. I’ve noticed other kids her age sucking them down, as well. Maybe it reminds them of all those pureed foods they started off with in the beginning? Who knows! But since she can sometimes be a fickle eater (one day she’ll devour half an avocado, the next she acts like it’s poison), I’m using her smoothie phase as an opportunity to sneak in some extra servings of veggies. Just check out my smoothie tray.

When I’ve mentioned this to other moms, they seem intrigued by the idea. I know the thought of adding vegetables to a smoothie may sound weird or intimidating. But, trust me. When done right, you can add beets, carrots, avocado and even spinach. That way, they always pack a nutritional punch. I like to do a blend of water and juice to keep the sugar content down. If you want to make your smoothies sweeter, simply use all fruit juice instead of a blend of juice and water. Here’s another tip for adding natural sweetness, if your bananas are turning brown, simply peel, toss them into a Ziploc bag, and freeze. They make a perfect, naturally sweet, addition.

 Here are three of Talya’s favorite smoothies!

Blueberry-Spinach Smoothie
Serves 2

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup grape juice
3/4 cup blueberries and blackberries, mixed
1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt
1/4 cup organic spinach
1/3 cup banana, very ripe
2 tsp chia seeds

Combine all of the ingredients in the blender. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth.

Red Beet & Strawberry Smoothie
Serves 2

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup cranberry or grape juice
1/3 cup cooked beets, diced
1 cup strawberries, halved
1/4 cup Brainiac Kids strawberry-banana yogurt 
1/3 cup banana, very ripe
2 tsp. Chia seeds

Combine all of the ingredients in the blender. I’m calling out a specific yogurt brand here, because it’s the only one out there that’s loaded with protein, omega-3, and choline, key nutrients for brain development. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth.

Mango-Avocado Smoothie
Serves 2
1/2 cup oat or almond milk
1/3 cup orange juice
1/2 cup ripe avocado
2/3 cup mango, diced
1/4 cup vanilla or coconut Greek yogurt
1T. Unsweetened shredded coconut
1 tsp. Chia seeds
1 T agave or maple syrup, optional

Combine all of the ingredients in the blender. Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes, or until smooth.