Feeding children three meals, plus snacks, seven days a week for the last 10 years has taught me many forms of patience and humbleness. I honestly thought that all I had to do was offer my children food and then they would eat it. HA! In reality, it is a much more complex situation; with many moving parts and ups and downs.

Smoothies are one of the foods that bridge the gap between what I want them to eat and what they want to eat. I used to make smoothies in the morning, but now it has become our afternoon snack. The boys come home from school hungry, thirsty and wanting something sweet. This smoothie is like a daily fruit milkshake. Everyone wins!

In the past, I often used what ingredients I had on hand to make smoothies. I thought I could throw whatever fresh fruit I had in the fridge or skip the orange juice if I didn’t have it. Silly me! My kids truly only like this one combination. Smoothies with peaches or kale just aren’t enjoyed the same way. The banana? Non-negotiable it seems. So, I have settled on this combination and stick to it religiously.

My boys want a snack 0.2 seconds after we walk through the door after school. Though blending a few ingredients is super easy, I find that prepping the smoothie bags weekly is helpful in easing the afternoon rush.

What about you? What is your quick, kid friendly, go-to food?

Berry Smoothie

I know it may seem silly to use three different liquids but I truly do think this works best. Using water as the majority of the liquid keeps the berry taste bright. Milk helps mellow the yogurt but too much would make it taste like berry milk. Orange juice helps round out the flavor profile and helps disguise the spinach successfully. Also, I know that the banana would freeze well but fresh and at room temperature is more successful in getting a creamier texture in my opinion.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/4 cup blueberries, frozen
• 4 strawberries, frozen
• 1 banana, at room temperature and broken into chunks
• small handful of baby spinach
• Pinch of flax seeds
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons of orange juice
• 1/2 cup cold water plus more if needed

Directions:

In blender container combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Add additional cold water to thin the smoothie if it is too thick. Add extra frozen fruit if the smoothie is too thin. I like ours to be thin enough to drink easily through a straw but thicker than juice. Pour into large glass (16-18 oz) and serve with a straw.

Pro tip: These smoothies freeze well as popsicles!

Frozen Smoothie Packs:

Each smoothie pack includes the ingredients for one smoothie: blueberries, strawberries, spinach and flax. Store in freezer.