Karla Gilbert is an accredited Nutrition and Health Coach, and a mum of two girls. She shares her top tips on fun snack ideas to try with your children at home.
Spring is in the air! With a change in seasons comes a natural tendency to shift from warm, comforting foods to lighter, refreshing meals and drinks.
Smoothies are a fantastic idea as we transition into summer and one that toddlers and kids quickly associate as being similar to a milkshake. A nutrient-dense dose of fruit or vegetables added to the milk of choice is the perfect way to include a quick breakfast on the run or afternoon spring snack. Smoothies are also the perfect solution for picky eaters ensuring a full belly without sacrificing health.
Here are 3 smoothie recipes that are full to the brim of goodness, nutrient-dense with heaps of fibre, energy and antioxidants.
There are some simple steps to follow for each.
Place all ingredients in a blender, adding a couple of handfuls of ice if desired and blend until smooth.
Pour into individual cups of 150ml each.
And enjoy!
Strawberry Dream Smoothie
Pink Smoothie, ladybug smoothie, call it what you will – but this will be a firm favourite come summertime!
Serves 4
- 600ml milk of choice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 200gm frozen strawberries
- 1 whole banana, peeled and chopped – frozen is preferable
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
Choc Banana Smoothie
Who doesn’t like chocolate? This smoothie is just like a chocolate milkshake, only healthy!
Serves 4
- 600ml milk of choice
- 2 tablespoon rolled oat
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 whole bananas, peeled and chopped – frozen is preferable
- 2 teaspoons of honey
My First Green Smoothie
Anything ‘green’ can be a hard sell to children, but through exposure, it is also a great way to unravel this belief into something they learn to enjoy. Give this a smoothie a relatable name and the rest is child’s play!
Serves 4
- 600ml cold water
- 2 bananas peeled and chopped – frozen is preferable
- 1 cup drained canned pineapple (in juice, not syrup)
- ¼ cup pineapple juice (from the can)
- 1 cup packed baby spinach leaves