https://www.goodnet.org/articles/top-10-healthiest-foods-on-earth-how-to-eat-themWith summer here, it’s a great time to take out the blender and make healthy, ice-cold smoothies. With such an abundance of fresh produce at the grocery store, you can pick from the colors of the rainbow. When your children take a play break, offer them a refreshing smoothie – the whole family will enjoy these delicious, healthy summer drinks.
Almost any fruit and veggie can go into your smoothie. In the summer, you can choose from fresh strawberries, melon, watermelon, lychees, cherries, peaches, blueberries, and more. If you cut and freeze fruit chunks in advance, you will get a thick and slushy drink kids love to gulp. Don’t forget about healing herbs such as fresh mint and basil. Dark leafy greens including kale, Swiss chard, and spinach are packed with phytonutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
If your family likes spice, be sure to have healthy fresh ginger and turmeric on hand. Almond milk, Greek yogurt, coconut milk and lots of ice will make your smoothies creamy. And be sure to peel and freeze lots of bananas in advance. To get even more health benefits, sneak in chia seeds, flax seeds, and Omega 3.
Here are five smoothies you can make at home that contain some of the healthiest foods on earth.
Babe Ruth Strawberry Pineapple Banana Smoothie
For a taste of tropical paradise, make this summer smoothie from Modern Honey. It combines pineapple, bananas, strawberries, orange juice, Greek yogurt and ice. Add fresh spinach leaves for iron, magnesium, vitamins K, C, and A, plus a tablespoon of flax seeds provides omega 3 and fiber.
Lemon Coconut Smoothie
The lemon juice in this sunny smoothie from Daily Smoothie adds a zing. Lemons contain Vitamin C and antioxidants. Combine a juiced lemon with coconut flakes, coconut milk, coconut flavored Greek yogurt, honey and lots of ice.
Summer in a Cup Smoothie
Sweet and tart all at once, this smoothie from Minimalist Baker is a summer sensation. Combine frozen raspberries and banana with almond milk, orange juice, and pomegranate juice. Pomegranates could be called the healthiest food in the world, packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Decadently smooth, your kids will be lining up for more. Try this healthy breakfast option from Five Heart Home to ensure your kids are energized. Take frozen bananas, oats, chia seeds, almond milk, your favorite nut butter, Greek yogurt, unsweetened cocoa powder, and a splash of vanilla. This smoothie is a powerhouse, packed with vitamins, protein, fiber, and calcium. The chia seeds offer extra fiber, protein, antioxidants, magnesium, and manganese.
Avocado Green Smoothie
This nutritious, healthy smoothie has been baby and toddler tested by Baby Foodie! Here is a way to get children from nine months and up to eat their spinach. Combine a ripe banana with avocado, spinach, yogurt, ice and water or milk, then serve this as a healthy snack in a sippy cup. Always add a pinch of chia. The brain-health benefits of this superfood packs added nutrition to every smoothie.