Getting good nutrition into little bellies can be challenging. For any number of reasons your kids can decide day to day that the food they liked yesterday is poison to their palate today, choosing to live on air instead.
A proven way to get good stuff into the gobs of an airatarian is a good old fashioned smoothie. They’re basically a meal disguised as a drink and they’ve been saving the parents of fussy eaters for as long as there have been blenders!
And unlike juicing, when you blend fruits and vegetables into a smoothie you retain the whole food, which leaves the fibre intact meaning everyone in the family gets the vitamins, minerals, protein, and fibre they need … and they don’t even realise.
How to make a smoothie
Be prepared for a quick spiel here, because making smoothies is the easiest meal-prep you’ll ever undertake. You simply grab a bunch of ingredients that compliment each other, whack them in a blender and blitz.
HOT TIP: The new Breville Super Q has a couple of great family-friendly features such as the fact that the Q vacuum air pump means you can get different results in flavour and texture which is perfect for fussy toddlers. Plus it has a quieter operation, making it the ideal choice for when the babies are sleeping!
Finding the right combinations that work for the tastebuds in your home can take time, fortunately we’ve rounded up some great recipes for you to try out that have been proven as kid-pleasers.
WATCH: Smoothie making with the Breville Super Q PLUS Keep scrolling for great smoothie options for filling hungry bellies while packing a nutritional punch.
After-school smoothie: This filling, fruity, low-fat yoghurt smoothie is a great after-school drink for kids that will fill their bellies without ruining dinner. Get the recipe here.
Green fruit and vegetable smoothie: It’s all in the marketing, we call this one ‘Hulk Juice’ at our house! But there’s no need to drink this green smoothie purely for the health benefits, because the ingredients combined together are fresh and delicious with a wonderful gingery kick. Get the recipe here.
Banana smoothie
Banana smoothie: This banana smoothie is almost a meal in itself making it perfect for kids who aren’t too keen on breakfast. Not only is it delicious and nutritious, you’ll have made a healthy contribution to their five-a-day. Get the recipe here.
Sugar-free PB and J smoothie: The combination of peanut butter and jelly or jam for kids is unbeatable, but it’s not always the healthiest option. This recipe swaps those ingredients for healthier alternatives in this nutritious and filling smoothie for kids. Get the recipe here.
High-fibre mixed berry yoghurt smoothies: Packed with long-lasting energy thanks to the added cereal, these high-fibre berry yoghurt smoothies make a great breakfast for busy kids (and parents) on the go. Get the recipe here.
Tropical smoothie: By freezing the chopped banana and mango in this recipe before blending you create a super-chilled summery smoothie or kids to down when the Aussie sun is blazing. Get the recipe here.
Superseed smoothie: Full of delicious yoghurt, fruit and chia, this superseed smoothie is perfect for giving a nutrition hit to kids aren’t keen on eating big meals. Get the recipe here.
Fruit smoothie energiser: Taste the tropics with this fruity blend of mango, pineapple juice and raspberries. Get the recipe here.
Superfood smoothie: With kale, ginger, mint, apple and chia seeds, this icy berry smoothie is loaded with energy-boosting ingredients, making it the perfect way to start the day for families. Get the recipe here.
