Tie-Dye Smoothie
Celebrate National Smoothie Day with this summer-fun smoothie kids will not only enjoy the taste but the visual effects too!
Makes: 3 (1 cup) servings
As a mom, I know sometimes getting kids to eat fruits and vegetables can be a challenge. One way to promote their consumption can be switching up how you make them, and this smoothie does just that! Let's face it, kids get bored too of the same old choices.
I love making smoothies for my daughters because not only are they are an easy & healthy breakfast or snack option, but they are a way to get in those food groups. Smoothies also provide their growing bodies with some of the nourishment it needs. They can also be a great way if you have a picky eater for them to get nutrients in from various food groups that they otherwise may be missing. If you are struggling, have them choose one or two fruits or vegetables to add and then watch the color change.
In our house, I start by using the dairy group in the base of our smoothies, which consists of a splash of 1% milk and yogurt usually non-fat or fat-free. Then, I add color with various fruits and blend away. Also, depending on the smoothie recipe, it can include other food groups, such as vegetables or even healthy fats (ex. flax or chia seeds) if you blend those into yours. I love the fact that you can vary your smoothie depending on your tastebuds or even the seasons.
I hope your family loves this smoothie as much as mine does!
Ingredients:
Strawberry-Banana Smoothie:
3/4 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/4 of a banana cut into coins
Blueberry Smoothie:
3/4 cup 1% milk
1/4 cup fat-free vanilla yogurt
1 cup frozen blueberries
Directions:
1. Start by making the strawberry-banana smoothie by adding the milk, yogurt, and fruit to the blender. Blend until smooth and add more milk to reach the desired consistency.
2. Divide strawberry-banana smoothie evenly into each cup (~1/2 cup).
3. Rinse the blender and repeat using the ingredients to create the blueberry smoothie.
4. Then pour 1/2 cup of the blueberry mix into each strawberry cup and gently swirl colors with a spoon or straw to create a tie-dye effect.
Photo credit: Valley Nutrition & Wellness, LLC/Jessica Clark, RD, LDN