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Mom! Can I Have A Snack?!



We all want our kids to eat their fruits and veggies AND learn to make healthy choices. Our end goal is them making those healthy choices independently.  

I wanted to share one simple, healthy option that is a hit with my children. If you have older children, they may even be able to do this on their own. Hallelujah for kids who can make simple snacks for themselves! Take a look and test out a few of these kid-friendly recipes along with some language strategies to use during the fun... 

Smoothies

Adults love smoothies, children love smoothies,  grandmas love smoothies, heck, everybody loves smoothies! Smoothies are delicious, they're wholesome, and you know exactly what is going into the smoothie that you make. It’s a win-win for everybody! Smoothies are also very easy! All you have to do is:
1. Put some frozen fruit in a blender 
2. Add some juice 
3. Blend 
4. Enjoy

You can also pour your newly-made  smoothie into a popsicle mold. BAM! Yummy, delicious, and oh so nutritious popsicles your children can enjoy all summer long! Smoothies are huge hit in my house and you can even sneak in some vegetables along with your fruit and your children will never know the difference. Makes me feel a lot better about making sure my child is eating their fruits and veggies.

Speech and Language Bonus: 

Let your little ones participate in the smoothie making. 

  • Name the items going into the smoothie
  • Talk about the texture, color, shape
  • Taste a bit of it before it goes in the smoothie and talk about how it tastes
  • Narrate the steps for making the smoothie
  • Put the ingredients on the table and ask them to give you what you name
  • Describe an item you want without telling them the name of it. Have them have to guess which item you are wanting based on your description (ie. Its red, round, and has a core)
  • Talk about where the fruit comes from (ie. the ground, trees, which country)
  • When talking about the details of the fruit/veggie, name other items that share similar features (ie. what other fruits are red? what other vegetables grow on a vine?)
Not a smoothie king or queen yet? Let me help you out by sharing some wonderfully delicious recipes:

Berry Banana Smoothie:
1 frozen banana, peeled
2 cups frozen berries
1 cup milk of choice
1/2 cup yogurt of choice
1/2 cup orange juice
2 or 3 tablespoons of honey to taste

Tropical Smoothie:
1/2 frozen banana
1/2 cup pineapple (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup mango (fresh or frozen)
1/2 and orange (peeled)
1/2 cup yogurt of choice
1 cup juice or unsweetened milk of choice
Blueberry Spinach
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 whole banana (fresh or frozen)
1 cup fresh spinach
2/3 cup milk of choice
1/3 cup yogurt of choice
optional: 1 tbsp flax, 1/4 tbsp chia seeds
Bottomline: 
Now, before I make it seem like I'm this mom who NEVER buys her kids sugary drink or junk food.... I am HUMAN. Really, it's just about everything in moderation. I like to make sure I'm adding in some nutritious items to offset any not-so-nutritious choices my family is partaking in. 

Hoping you take the time to enjoy one of these yummy drinks! With summer right around the corner, you'll be craving a cool, refreshing drink soon!

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