Good morning Modern Mama readers! I’m so excited to share with you one of my favourite new routines I’ve gotten into this summer.
Smoothies!
For the past few weeks I have replaced one of my meals with a smoothie. Every. Single. Day. I’ve been reading up on different healthy living and healthy eating books and from these books I’ve been trying to change my diet from processed foods, chips, takeout pizza, and red meats to a more plant based diet. These smoothies have been a great segway into eating more fruits and eggies every single day. The more I made these smoothies, the more I realized what a great idea they’d be for parents who are struggling to get their little ones to eat more fruits and vegetables. There are certain tricks you can do to make the smoothie even look like ice cream. How many kiddos would complain about eating ice cream? It’s a win-win! <- You and your children get more fruits and veggies everyday, and its a delicious way to do it!
Below is a quick recipe you can use to whip up a great smoothie for a snack, or for breakfast, lunch or dinner! This smoothie has only 4 basic ingredients: banana, blueberries, spinach and ice. Blueberries are shown to be chalk full of antioxidants, and dark leafy greens like spinach are full of vitamins, such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin E and vitamin C (spinach is also full of sooo many other good nutrients that our bodies need!)
Greens Berry Smoothie
* this recipe makes one large smoothie bowl or 2 smaller smoothie glasses
- 1/2 a banana
- * 1 cup of blueberries
- * 2 spinach cubes*
- * 3 ice cubes
* ** Optional addition #1: 1 scoop of protein powder – I add this to my smoothies to help keep me fuller longer, because I eat a smoothie for a meal. If you’re making it for your kids, I recommend Safe + Fair’s protein powder for kids.
* ** Optional addition #2: A handful of blueberries to add as toppings To get your smoothie to have the same consistency as ice cream, I like to freeze all of my ingredients. If you don’t have any fruit in the freezer, just add extra ice cubes *My favourite way to add spinach to my smoothie is using two cubes of this: This Life Smart brand has little pucks of spinach and they are perfect for smoothie making! Directions: Add all ingredients to the blender. Blend until you see your desired consistency. If its too thick, add some milk or water. If you want it even thicker, add more ice cubes. Once you like the consistency, put in a cup or bowl and eat up!
I like to put my smoothie in a bowl and add fun toppings. Sometimes I add almond slivers, chia seeds, or some fresh fruit. One time I even cut up a mini Oreo for a fun chocolatey addition.
I can’t help but take a picture of every smoothie I make – nerd alert. If you try out the smoothie send me a picture of how yours turned out! I’d love to see them all! Let me know of any substitutions or additions you make to your smoothie, I’d love to try them out for myself! Find more pictures of smoothies on my Instagram – @fulfilling.katie
I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
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Katie is recently new to Calgary. She works in Education and loves to try new recipes.