Best Tips for Making Smoothies for Kids

Kids will not willingly eat or drink anything simply because it is "good for them." Instead, they want something that tastes delicious. That's why moms and dads often have to resort to sneaky tactics to get their kids to eat vegetables and fruits: sneaky tactics like making healthy smoothies for kids.

Why Parents (and Kids) Love Them:

• Smoothies are as delicious as they look.
• They quench thirst and satisfy hunger.
• They're quick and easy to make.
• Can be tailored to individual needs and tastes. Kids who are allergic to dairy products can make their own dairy-free drinks.
• Older kids can make a DIY healthy smoothie. Younger kids will need adult supervision.
• Smoothies let you sneak in fiber and antioxidants, and kids will still love the taste.

Essentials

The only equipment you need to make a healthy smoothie for kids and adults is a good blender. A heavy duty blender is best, because you can bet your kids will be clamoring for their smoothie everyday.

You'll also want to have milk, yogurt, fruit juice and fruits in season. Frozen fruits are also delicious. In fact, it's a great idea to slice and freeze the fruits that you'll be using in your smoothies. You'll need less ice (if any), and your smoothies will be thicker and more nutritious.

Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Kids

Try the smoothie recipes for kids below. Simply add all ingredients in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve immediately.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

• 1 cup frozen strawberries
• 1 banana, peeled and sliced
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
• Tofu Smoothie
• 1/2 cup tofu
• 1 banana
• 2 cups fruit juice
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, with juice
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Tip: Use any kind of fruit such as a peach or pineapple. Experiment with different kinds of fruit juices.

Yogurt Smoothie Recipe

• 1 cup yogurt, plain or flavored
• 1 banana or other fruit
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup ice cubes

Banana Carrot Smoothie

• 1 banana
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1 cup chopped carrots
• 1 cup yogurt, plain or flavored

Green Smoothie

• 2 ripe pears, cored and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Protein Smoothie Recipe

To make a protein smoothie, simply add a scoop or 1 oz. of protein powder to any smoothie recipe.

How to Make Extra-Healthy Smoothies for Kids

Yogurt, flax seeds, wheat germ, tofu, nuts or protein powder will add extra nutrition to any smoothie recipe. If a recipe calls for sugar, try it first without adding the sweetener. The natural sweetness of the fruit may be enough.