snickelfritz Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 We have a basic formula we use that we all like (juice, yogurt, fresh fruit.) I'd love to have something to add to it to give it a nutrition punch. Something easily found and prepared would be great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satori Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I am a green smoothie fan. So a typical smoothie for me would be lots of leafy greens, a banana, berries, ground flaxseed... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Kale or spinach works well because the color and flavor are masked by the fruit and it is a great way to get some leafy greens in the meal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 ground flax and raw oatmeal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snickelfritz Posted July 1, 2009 Author Share Posted July 1, 2009 leafy greans? I would love to sneak these in. oatmeal? And do you have to grind the flax seed yourself or do you buy it that way? We definitely have the fruit covered. It usually includes some variation of bananas, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, etc... whatever I've got (frozen and fresh) that sounds like the flavors would go well together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeacherZee Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I like adding some cottage cheese for extra protein. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Here it's strawberry season. Soon, it will be blueberry season. Either way, organic vanilla yogurt helps the kale go down here.:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satori Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 You can buy ground flaxseed and use that. I buy the seeds and grind them in a cheap little coffee grinder thing, and then store the leftovers in the fridge for awhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Love2Smile Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 one cup of vanilla soy milk one frozen banana chocolate protien powder 1/3 C uncooked oatmeal 1Tb. ground flaxseed ice cubes Just like a chocolate banana shake..in fact my 2 dd's had this for dinner! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Kale or spinach works well because the color and flavor are masked by the fruit and it is a great way to get some leafy greens in the meal. About how much spinach do you add? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgiana Daniels Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Can someone tell me what flaxseed does? I'm always wanting to try a new thing. We use an organic fiber supplement in ours, and sometimes omega 3-6-9 oil. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Can someone tell me what flaxseed does? I'm always wanting to try a new thing. We use an organic fiber supplement in ours, and sometimes omega 3-6-9 oil. It provides essential fatty acids AND it keeps you regular. ;) Flaxseed is very high in omega-3 essential fatty acids, Lee explains. It's the omega 3s -- "good" fats -- that researchers are looking at in terms of their possible effects on lowering cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, lowering the risk of breast, prostate, and colon cancers, and reducing the inflammation of arthritis, as well as the inflammation that accompanies certain illnesses such as Parkinson's disease and asthma. In addition to the omega-3s, the remaining two components of flaxseed -- lignans and fiber -- are being studied for their health benefits as well, says Diane Morris, PhD, RD, spokesperson for the Flax Council of Canada. Lignans, for example, act as both phytoestrogens and antioxidants, while the fiber contained in the flaxseed is of both the soluble and insoluble type. "Flax is an interesting mixture of nutrients and other components," says Morris. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jumping In Puddles Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 About how much spinach do you add? I use Trader Joe's Frozen Spinach and I just add one handful for each kid. I figure they need a portion each or it isn't worth giving. They hardly notice but after it starts to melt a little (it's very thick with frozen blueberries, spinach and sometimes mango) it starts to look a little greener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melinda S in TX Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 We make smoothies with fruit (usually blueberries), rice protein powder, kefir, goat milk, frozen spinach, and coconut oil. Melinda Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennefer@SSA Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 leafy greans? I would love to sneak these in. oatmeal? And do you have to grind the flax seed yourself or do you buy it that way? We definitely have the fruit covered. It usually includes some variation of bananas, strawberries, peaches, blueberries, etc... whatever I've got (frozen and fresh) that sounds like the flavors would go well together. If you buy whole flax seed you do have to grind it before using b/c your body can't process it and it will pass straight though the digestive tract. I buy Bob's Redmill Organic Ground Flax and keep it stored in the freezer. I also buy huge bags/containers of organic fresh spinach when the it's about to expire and they mark it waaaay down. I bring it home and steam it just a drop. Throw it in the blender to puree and then pour into ice cube trays. Store the spinach cubes in the freezer and add to cherry or blueberry smoothies b/c the color doesn't even show. My kids have no idea and you can't even taste it. Mine wouldn't eat it if you could see the green unfortunately. I do the same thing with carrots (steam, puree and freeze) and add them to strawberry or orange/mango/pineapple smoothies. The color blends right in here too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oakblossoms Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I use the regular oats and I grind my own flax. I use a regular blender with no problems. I love the oats because it really does seem to make a difference with sticking to the ribs. My kids aren't big oatmeal eaters so I figure I can get their bowl in that way. Flax is sensitive and I don't trust preground flax. So, I just buy it in bulk. It's pretty tough if it's left whole. I grind enough to fit in an old chutney jar and keep that in the fridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Strengthen My Hands Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Hmm, never thought about spinach or kale??? We'll have to try that! We use Kefir, flax seed, bananas, frozen blueberries and strawberries (it's best when they're slightly frozen - it keeps the smoothy nice and cold). Just bought a bunch of mangos today so I suppose we'll be trying that tom. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jenny in Atl Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 My brother's girlfriend got me to try hemp oil. Tastes pretty good (nutty), and it's a great source of Omega 3. I also like freshly ground flax seeds too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 If you buy whole flax seed you do have to grind it before using b/c your body can't process it and it will pass straight though the digestive tract. I buy Bob's Redmill Organic Ground Flax and keep it stored in the freezer. I also buy huge bags/containers of organic fresh spinach when the it's about to expire and they mark it waaaay down. I bring it home and steam it just a drop. Throw it in the blender to puree and then pour into ice cube trays. Store the spinach cubes in the freezer and add to cherry or blueberry smoothies b/c the color doesn't even show. My kids have no idea and you can't even taste it. Mine wouldn't eat it if you could see the green unfortunately. I do the same thing with carrots (steam, puree and freeze) and add them to strawberry or orange/mango/pineapple smoothies. The color blends right in here too! That's Brilliant! I'm going to steal those ideas. Anyone have any smoothie recipes that are vegan? A book to recommend? I have my eye on Green for Life (Victoria Boutenko) but didn't know if there were kid friendly recipes in it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 My favorite smoothie has silken tofu, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, banana, apple juice concentrate, and orange juice. Mmmmmm... Chelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blueridge Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I make this every morning and it really sticks with me. In my blender cup I measure some almond (or coconut) milk, Lifeway kefir for intestinal health, a handful of some kind of frozen fruit, a drizzle of Flora DHA Flax oil, a TB. of freshly ground flax for fiber, and a half scoop of Designer Whey vanilla protein powder. Perfect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 We make smoothies with fruit (usually blueberries), rice protein powder, kefir, goat milk, frozen spinach, and coconut oil. Melinda Coconut oil! Great idea. I am always on the lookout for ways to add healthy fats to my skinny child's diet. When Trader Joe's was selling it, I would put in a dollop of cashew / macadamia nut butter in our smoothies. Now I just use peanut butter. (My son is allergic to almonds, though I personally think almond butter tastes the best.) When I've found hemp milk cheap, not often, I've used that in our smoothies, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Georgiana Daniels Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 It provides essential fatty acids AND it keeps you regular. ;) Oooo, thanks! Great info! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Satori Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I should really be more creative, kefir and almond butter (LOVE IT) sound divine... I loved the book Green for Life. For kids, just start out with a little bit of greens, but lots of berries/sweet stuff. Some mamas I know use reddish greens so it doesn't look so "green". Then slowly, increase the percentage of greens. My daughter loves green smoothies now! Couldn't resist adding pics, I can take them down if needed. Oh in this picture we tried sprouts, they taste too strong in our smoothies, don't like them in there now. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nestof3 Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 (edited) Okay, so I'm drinking a smoothie made of: 1 cup unsweetened almond beverage 1 cup frozen wild blueberries 1 frozen banana 1 cup fresh spinach 1 tbsp flaxseed yummy! (300 calories) Edited July 1, 2009 by nestof3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Coconut oil! Great idea. I am always on the lookout for ways to add healthy fats to my skinny child's diet. Coconut milk is great, too. I sometimes use it in place of milk/juice with kefir. And fruit. I haven't been brave enough to try the greens ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Needleroozer Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I add flax seed oil, aloe vera gel or juice, and rice protein powder. Sometimes I throw in a spoonful of almond butter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Firefly Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I make a peanut butter-banana one with plain yoghurt, tofu, raw milk, banana and either natural peanut butter or almond butter (sometimes a little honey mixed in too)-- the kids love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jane Elliot Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 I also buy huge bags/containers of organic fresh spinach when the it's about to expire and they mark it waaaay down. I bring it home and steam it just a drop. Throw it in the blender to puree and then pour into ice cube trays. Store the spinach cubes in the freezer That is super clever. I could freeze a bunch from our garden this summer to have year round. Thanks for posting this! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicole M Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 Coconut milk is great, too. I sometimes use it in place of milk/juice with kefir. And fruit. I haven't been brave enough to try the greens ... I've been nervous about using coconut milk in smoothies. I have used it to cook up a rice pudding on the stovetop, for breakfast, using leftover rice, but it is so rich that it seems to upset my boys' tummies, even when I water it down. But. I still do use it and water it way down, and then have leftovers that I don't know what to do with. I'll try it and see how it goes. Any tummy troubles with coconut milk at your house? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted July 1, 2009 Share Posted July 1, 2009 My favorite smoothie has silken tofu, strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, banana, apple juice concentrate, and orange juice. Mmmmmm... Chelle Thanks. I have all that stuff, except for maybe apple juice concentrate, but can sub white grape/peach which I do have! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalicoKat Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 raw honey and raw milk .... a frozen fruit + yogurt + ground flaxseed. I did sneak spinach in once but there was a rebellion even though they couldn't see or taste it. :D Will try it again but in a sneaker manner. I like the ice cube idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladydusk Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Any tummy troubles with coconut milk at your house? No, but I only use 1/2 a can for a blender full, so enough for 3-4 of us (my eldest sometimes wants smoothie, sometimes doesn't), I save the rest for the next day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelle in MO Posted July 2, 2009 Share Posted July 2, 2009 Thanks. I have all that stuff, except for maybe apple juice concentrate, but can sub white grape/peach which I do have! You're welcome, Darla! I hope you like it. Chelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
helena Posted July 9, 2009 Share Posted July 9, 2009 I use Trader Joe's Frozen Spinach and I just add one handful for each kid. I figure they need a portion each or it isn't worth giving. They hardly notice but after it starts to melt a little (it's very thick with frozen blueberries, spinach and sometimes mango) it starts to look a little greener. I put the spinach in today and they didn't even notice! Great suggestion. I like to use coconut cream powder, agave nectar and frozen acai (not necessarily together:)) Next I want to experiment with hazelnut butter and chocolate. Does anyone have a recipe like that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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