A Tasty Morning Treat…

Christine! I love your blog. I’m learning so many great things. One thing I was wondering about was smoothies. I want to start making them regularly for my 4-year old and 1-year old. Could you suggest some easy recipes that are somewhat cost effective and packs in the protein and vitamins? Thanks! – Tohru

Blueberry smoothie - mine with a protein punch

Hi Tohru,

I love that you inquired about my new favorite go-to breakfast. Since moving into the new pad I’ve been blaring my Kitchen Aid hand blender (a great blender for small kitchens) every morning, testing protein-packed breakfasts to go. I have become obsessed because they are great breakfasts to blend-up before walking out the door, providing me with that protein boost I need after a morning workout (I imagine getting kids ready in the morning is a workout in itself!). For kiddies they couldn’t be any easier to whip up and divide by two. Or, double the batch and make one for your self!

You can ultimately add any frozen fruityou like; for now I have stuck to berries due to my latest Trader Joe’s run. I also recently purchased vanilla protein powder so I wanted to stick with flavors that would all work together. For your kid’s smoothie’s I would omit this as yogurt already packs a mean protein punch.

Here are a few tips before getting into the recipe:

• Always add some type of frozen fruit. This will give it that cold, smoothie consistency without the need for ice. Fill your smoothies with nutrient-rich ingredients; no ice needed.
• When it comes to berries (and any other fruit/vegetable with seeds)  buy organic. It’s worth the extra few bucks since this type of produce is the toughest to wipe clean of pesticides. Especially strawberries.
• Buy in bulk. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you go through the yogurt and berries, especially if you make these every morning. Run to Costco or purchase the large tubs at Trader Joe’s.
  
• Plain (regular) yogurt for the kids. Plain Greek yogurt for the adults. Overall plain yogurt is the clear winner for everyone due to all the artificial flavors and sweeteners that are added to the other stuff. Because regular yogurt has more calcium, stick to this for the kids. For adults, swap to Greek yogurt for the protein.
• Great kid health blog: Super Healthy Kids. I by no means am a nutritionist, nor do I have kiddies of my own, so I dug around for some top healthy kid blogs and found Amy’s to be a great source. I liked her breakdown of protein for young children – not everyone needs the “trendy” Greek yogurt.
  

Now lets get to blending. Ingredients (serving 2 kids (8oz each) or 1 adult)

Blueberry Smoothie

• 1 cup Plain Yogurt
• 1 tsp of Honey
• 1 cup of frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup of milk (I use vanilla soy for even more flavor and thickness)
• ADULT VERSION: 2 scoops of protein powder, your choice

Add all ingredients to your blender, milk last. More milk may be needed if not blending smoothly. Divide and serve in a plastic cup with a straw. Sip and enjoy!

Strawberry and Banana Smoothie: Add 4-6 strawberries and one banana instead of blueberries.

My fav. Kitchen Aid Blender

Even more strawberry red when shot on a clear day - Delicious.

What smoothies do you like making in the morning? Peanut Butter Banana? Tropical? Do tell!