Child friendly ‘green’ smoothies, and a Green Smoothie Challenge Update

It’s day 12 of the Green Smoothie Challenge, almost half way!! I hope that those who have decided to give it a go are noticing the benefits! As a serial ‘kale/orange/ginger/version of’ smoothie junkie, I have found the challenge fantastic as it encourages me to branch out and invent new combos. Probably my favourite this week has been this basil, mango, lemon, passionfruit number below – recipe on the .

The next part of the challenge, starting tomorrow, is to rotate your greens! Whilst I am a kale over-user, typically others get stuck on spinach. Take this opportunity to mix it up a bit and throw in some rocket, bok choy, celery, beetroot leaves, green herbs (basil, parsley, coriander, mint) and cos lettuce / romaine, along with spinach and kale. Rotating them in this increases the diversity of nutrients that you are taking in, making sure you are not missing out!

Image from Simple Green Smoothies

I am a big fan of smoothies for kids. When my little one was small(er), her favourite thing was a blueberry, banana and coconut milk smoothie that I used to make her. It’s a fabulous way of keeping the good fats, vitamins and minerals going in during a time when eating is a bit comme ci comme ca. I am yet to get her to try one of my kale numbers, but she is happy to have a go at this Spinach, Berry, Banana smoothie as pictured above.

And what a fantastic hit of nutrients for little ones! Sure, it’s not exactly green, but it is delicious!

Kids Berry Spinach Smoothie

1 orange
1 cup of berries
1/2 large or one small banana
2 big handfuls of spinach
1/2 cup coconut water or water
Blend, serve, awesome!
Or, make this into ‘icy poles’!

Just by the by, another great tip from the wonderful people at simple green smoothie is if you don’t have a high speed blender and are having trouble getting smooth smoothies, blend the leafy greens with water first, then add the rest of the ingredients.

I also really like adding a few ice blocks, or to keep my bananas etc frozen, there is something delicious about the smoothie being quite cold.

Also, if you do experience a smoothie fail, pick yourself up, add a banana or a few dates, and blend again! x