As mentioned previously,only  7 percent of Michigan children get the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.  Children under the age of 5 are more apt to consume more fruit and juice but this falls off at kindergarten through high school.  According to the National Health and Examination Survey, fried potatoes represented 46 percent of the total vegetable consumption for kids.  Smoothies are a healthy way to add more fruits and vegetables to your child, teen’s or even adult diet.  Directions are this simple: Get your kids in the kitchen, measure, blend and enjoy together.

Beyond their great taste, why are smoothies so good for you?   Many are rich in Vitamins A and C from the fruit and juice.  Greek yogurt and low fat milk contribute the following:

• protein that helps keep you fuller between meals and is the building block for muscle and cells
• Greek yogurt contains probiotic rich bacteria that promote healthy gut bacteria that keep our digestive tract strong.
• Calcium and Vitamin D for strong bones and teeth

They are a healthy beverage alternative to sodas and the traditional cookie, chip or crackers frequently consumed between meals.

Orange

Ingredients: Makes 3 Servings

• 1 cup frozen sliced peaches
• 1 Chobani Orange Greek Yogurt
• 1 banana
• 1/2 cup Mandarin oranges + Mandarin juice
• 1 cup chopped ice 

Nutrition:  120 calories, 0.3 grams Fat, 26 mg Carbohydrate,  2.5 grams Fiber, 6 grams Protein, 12% Vitamin A, 29% Vitamin C and 6% Calcium.  Weight Watchers Points:  3

Chocolate 

Ingredients: Makes 3 servings.

•  1 banana
• 1 Tbsp. chocolate syrup
• 1 cup low fat cow, Almond or Soy milk
• 1 cup Ice

Nutrition:  98 calories,  0.3 grams Fat, 21 mg Carbohydrate, 1.5 grams Fiber, 3.5 grams Protein,  4% Vitamin A,  7% Vitamin C and 10% Calcium.  Weight Watchers Points:  3

Green

Ingredients: Makes 4 servings

• 1 banana
• 1 cups frozen unsweetened pineapple chunks
• 1 cup firmly-packed baby spinach (washed)
• 1 cup unsweetened pineapple juice
• 3/4 cup vanilla nonfat Greek yogurt

Nutrition:  108 calories,  0.3 grams Fat, 24 mg Carbohydrate,  1.5 grams Fiber,  4 grams Protein,  18% Vitamin A,  42% Vitamin C and 5% Calcium.  Weight Watchers Points:  3

Nutty

Ingredients: Makes 4 servings.

• ½ cup cow, Almond or Soy milk
• 1 small banana
• ¼ cup creamy low fat peanut butter
• 2 Tbsp. Honey
• 6 Ice Cubes

Drizzle with chocolate syrup or diced bananas if desired.

Nutrition:  160 calories,  6 grams Fat, 24 mg Carbohydrate,  1.5 grams Fiber,  5 grams Protein,  5% Vitamin C and 5% Calcium.  Weight Watchers Points: 5

Berry Tofu

Ingredients:  Makes 4 servings

• 1 cup fat-free Greek vanilla yogurt
• 1 cup cow, Almond or Soy milk
• 1 banana
• 3″ cube of soft tofu
• 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 cup  frozen strawberries

Nutrition:  130 calories,  1 gram Fat, 24 mg Carbohydrate, 2.5 grams Fiber,  8 grams Protein,  32% Vitamin C and 15% Calcium.

Categories: Media, Recipes

Tags: best smoothie recipes for kids, Healthy Smoothie Recipes, kids favorite smoothies, Top 5 smoothies