Pink, purple, green – oh my. So many smoothie pops to try!
After trying tons of variations these are my kids favorite three recipes. Yes, of course they include veggies! You can totally make these as a smoothie too. My kids just prefer their smoothies frozen and I aim to please, particularly when it comes to getting them to eat more veggies. We literally eat them any time of day, lately they have been a part of our breakfast routine. In fact, if your children are notoriously picky eaters this may be the best time of day to try something new. In the mornings kids are well rested, hungry and not used to getting a popsicle type food for breakfast, so often, they are more receptive.
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A few notes before we start:
Give them a fun name other than popsicle, especially if your children are accustomed to the normal sugar filled kind. These smoothie pops are all very tasty but refined sugar and fruit based sugar is just different. Refined sugar produces a chemical reaction in your brain that natural sugars do not, so it’s natural not to have the exact same cravings. Setting up the proper expectations is really the best way to start.
Get them involved involved in the process. Makers are tasters. Hidden veggies that they will actually eat is great but what’s even better is teaching them about good food. Sometimes highlighting and not hiding is the better strategy. Use time around and away from meals to discuss the benefits of spinach, kale and cauliflower.
Keep trying! Just because they don’t like something once doesn’t mean it will always be the case. Do not ever give up on a trying new things, which ultimately helps develop a well rounded and healthy relationship with food.
Sprinkles and mini chocolate chips are great motivators. We sprinkle them into the popsicle molds before pouring in the smoothie. Double delish!
Measurements depend on the size of your blender, I will provide rough guidelines.
Blending well is imperative! Make sure you have a good blender and blend until smooth and well incorporated. I recommend this one.
Pour into your favorite popsicle molds and freeze overnight! We have these and love them! These look good for babies.
Each recipe is DAIRY FREE
strawberry lemonade – with cauliflower
Equal parts frozen pineapple, strawberries and cauliflower florets. For liquid cover with half water and half lemonade.
This will be very thick, use more liquid to thin out mixture and help blend. If new to smoothie pops this is a great one to start with because of the sugar in the lemonade. But I do encourage mixing lemonade with water. If the cauliflower scares you start with less and work your way up.
berry delish – with kale
Equal parts kale leaves and frozen blueberries. Cover with water and blend until smooth. Add a handful of frozen pineapple and ripe banana (or half). Optional to add a touch of maple syrup or a couple madjool dates to increase the sweetness factor. Blend again with all ingredients until well incorporated, add more water if needed.
dreamy green – with spinach & basil
Frozen pineapple or mango, spinach, slice of lemon with peel, (optional) a few leafs of fresh basil. A few tablespoons of maple syrup for added sweetness. Cover 3/4 of contents with water and blend well.
Do not let the color intimidate you, this flavor is a crowd favorite especially with kids! The lemon wedge may sound a little strange but it adds great flavor and a huge nutrient boost.
I could go on for days about the nutrient density of all these fruits and veggies but I will leave you some things to discover on your own!
Come back and tell me which ones are your family’s favorite.
Live well friends,
Christy
