Green Smoothies

Last spring, Carolyn, introduced us to green smoothies. It has changed the way we eat breakfast. I have found a solution to providing a nutritious and delicious breakfast to my whole family. The recipes are endless and you can create a combination that will satisfy you, your husband and kids. The best part is all the nutrients you can hide in them.

You need to keep the basics on hand. You and your family's favorite frozen (preferably organic) fruit. A base - which can be milk, yogurt, almond milk, (a favorite of ours), or just plain water.Try to stay away from fruit juices that contain mainly sugar. There is so much natural sweetness in the fruit that you don't need to add the additional sugar and calories. Keep some spinach and kale on hand. Raw, washed and ready to go. Start by throwing a handful of that into the blender along with the frozen fruit and base of choice. You can then add things like ground flaxseed, wheat germ, or a good whey protein powder.

I blend the first batch and give it to my kids and then add more 'not as tasty' but super nutritious items to my smoothie like hemp seed, cacao, goji powder and maca powder. * see below for information on superfoods. If you find that your child really prefers a sweeter taste, to get the smoothie down, you can add some honey or certified organic agave nectar.

Here is a recipe that will get you to the bus stop on time or out the door to work and keep you full and alert. The measurements can be altered or eye balled depending on your audience.

Strawberry and Banana Green Smoothie

I cup strawberries

1 large banana

1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (enough to cover fruit) or dairy based product if you prefer.

1 handful spinach or kale (it does alter color but I promise your kids won't taste it)

1 scoop hemp seed, flax seed, goji powder (optional)

Blend and pour into glasses. Pour in a disposable cup and drink it in the car or at the bus stop if you are running behind.

This is a great way for you and your family to start the day off with adequate fiber, protein and other essential nutrients.

Additional information on super foods:

http://www.organic-superfood.com/ http://www.organic-superfood.com/key-superfoods.html http://www.sunfood.com/Catalog/Default.aspx http://www.navitasnaturals.com/ http://www.gnosischocolate.com/bulk-superfoods/