Smoothies are a large way of making sure our babies and toddlers get their 5-a-day of fruit and veg. Let’s face it they aren’t habitually willing! I’ll give you a couple of ideas of what you can include in smoothies.
Fruit
Apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cherries, cranberries, gooseberries, grapefruit, grapes, kiwi fruit (be very cautious not to put a lot of kiwi fruit in a smoothie, it can apprehend in the back of the throat), lemons, limes, mangoes, melons, nectarines, oranges, papaya, peaches, pears, pineapples, plums, pomegranate, raspberries, rhubarb (cook it first), strawberries, tangerines and watermelons- they are all delicious alternatives to combine in some amazing smoothies, full of flavor, antioxidants and vitamins.
Salad and Vegetables
If you’re supplementing vegetables, it’s a good concept to have groundwork of crop tastes first. I don’t think your baby would be overjoyed if you presented him a solely vegetable smoothie.
In fact it would likely put him off smoothies for life! Asparagus (a very little amount), beetroot (not pickled), chime peppers, broccoli, cabbage (goes well with apple), carrots, celery (also goes well with apple), cucumber, fennel, new ginger, parsnips, spinach, tomatoes and turnip- these are all healthy ingredients that will make your baby full of energy, with a boosted immunity system and great digestion.
Fresh Herbs
Green herbs: basil, mint, parsley, ginger, rosemary will compliment your smoothies for a burst of flavor and extra nutrients.
Spices
Cinnamon, ginger, mixed spice, nutmeg and vanilla are ready to help you add that extra “something” to make the smoothie irresistible. Also, they are very helpful when you want to frozen your smoothies and transform them into a refreshing treat.
Make it Creamy
We have heard about the benefits of including them in our diet: Cottage cheese, milk, Greek yogurt, plain yogurt, silken tofu and soy milk. They improve immunity, digestion, fight intestinal infections and are a great source of calcium and proteins. Help your little one grow stronger by adding them to the smoothie mix.
Kernels and Nuts
You can add kernels and nuts, but unless you have a mighty blender like my Vitamix, then you should grind then first in a coffee grinder or a pestle and mortar until fine and powdery. Obviously, be aware of nut allergies and avoid them if that’s the case.
Using kernels and nuts in smoothies has plenty of benefits: they contain good quantities of vitamins, anti-oxidants and minerals. Nuts are a very good source of vitamin-E, excellent source of the B-complex. They also contain good levels of other minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus, and zinc. Copper helps prevent anemia and bone weakness (osteoporosis).
Luxury components
Cocoa powder, coconut milk, honey, Nutella, peanut dairy spread and porridge oats can add an exotic flavor to your mix. Of course you have to add them if your baby can assimilate them well- for example, honey is a pretty controversial ingredient in a baby diet.
Some Delicious Baby Smoothies Recipes
Single serving fruit porridge smoothie
1/4 cup (1 oz) uncooked oatmeal
1/4 cup (2 oz) new blueberries (or other edible kernel)
2 tbsp apple juice extract
- Add dry oatmeal in blender to shatter it up.
- Once oatmeal looks almost like dust, dispense in the kernels and juice(s). Combine again until the kernels are cut up and everything is well blended, looking like a smoothie.
- Now dispense blend from blender to a cup or bottle for your baby
Protein-packed smoothie for two
1 cup (8 oz) cabin dairy cheese
1 cup (8 oz) with added flavor or plain yogurt, bought or home-made
1 cup (8 oz) baby’s favourite food
6 – 8 ice cubes.
- Place all pieces in a blender.
- Blend until blend is glossy. Serve at once.
Strawberry smoothie:
2 cups strawberries (chopped very little)
2 oz (1/4 cup) prepared milk
1 cup (8 fl oz) yogurt
infant apple juice
ice
- Put strawberries in blender until pureed.
- Add milk of your choice and then add yogurt and a dash of apple juice extract.
- Blend until you get a creamy mix, then add 4 ice cubes and blend until well combined.
These are just a few ways in which you can add delicious and healthy elements in your baby’s diet. The benefits are great and you can share these tasty meals with your little one.
