Having a child who rolls his eyes every time you make a meal can be one of the biggest challenges for parents. Smoothies are a great choice. But it took me a while to get my toddler to drink smoothies.
Over the years I have gathered some ideas, recipes, and healthy meals for picky eaters. Homemade smoothies have become a regular daily habit that the entire family enjoys.
I allow my girls to contribute, help, and feel useful. They love the taste even better once they help in making one. So, I will share with you some easy healthy meals – kid-friendly smoothie recipes.
How do I get my toddler to drink smoothies?
There are a couple of things you can try to get your toddler to drink smoothies. Many small kids refuse them, so here are some guidelines for you:
- Offer the smoothie multiple times: Try offering the smoothie to your toddler at least three times before giving up for the day. Persistence can help them become more accustomed to the taste.
- Experiment with different flavors: Try varying the ingredients and flavors of the smoothie to find one that your toddler enjoys. You can use a combination of fruits, vegetables, and yogurt to create a tasty and nutritious blend.
- Make it fun: Present the smoothie in different ways to make it more appealing to your toddler. For example, you can freeze it in a popsicle mold to create homemade ice cream or make it thicker so they can eat it with a spoon like a dessert.
- Involve your toddler in the process: Let your toddler help you prepare the smoothie by allowing them to choose some of the ingredients or assist in blending them. This can make them more excited about trying it.
- Offer alongside their favorite foods: Serve the smoothie alongside your toddler’s favorite foods, such as sandwiches or snacks. This way, they may be more willing to try it when it’s presented with something familiar and enjoyable.
- Be a role model: Show your toddler that you enjoy drinking smoothies by having one yourself. Children often imitate their parents’ behaviors, so seeing you enjoy a smoothie may encourage them to try it too.
- Gradually introduce new ingredients: If your toddler is hesitant about certain ingredients, gradually introduce them into the smoothie. Start with small amounts and gradually increase as they become more familiar with the taste.
- Use appealing presentation: Serve the smoothie in colorful cups or with fun straws to make it visually appealing. You can also garnish it with a slice of fruit or a sprinkle of granola to make it more enticing.
- Sneak in nutritious ingredients: If your toddler is resistant to certain fruits or vegetables, try sneaking them gradually. For example, you can add spinach or kale without altering the taste significantly.
- Make it a routine: Integrate smoothies into your toddler’s daily routine, such as serving it as a snack or incorporating it into their breakfast. Consistency can help them become more comfortable with the idea of drinking smoothies.
How Often Do Kids Drink Smoothies?
Before I share my recipes let me share with you some info. I did a bit of research and made a poll on different parenting Facebook groups asking a question on how often parents make healthy smoothies for their children.
It turns out that 29% of people make them every day or a couple of times a week. Most of those who said never explained that their child refuses to take it or that they dislike washing a blender.
| How often do kids drink smoothies? | Based on 1244 votes |
| NEVER | 544 |
| A COUPLE OF TIMES A MONTH | 342 |
| A COUPLE OF TIMES A MONTH | 273 |
| EVERY DAY | 85 |
Before heading to picky eaters’ healthy recipes I will try to make it easier for moms and give you some advice on what is bothering them. If 5% of those kids start to love them I will be more than happy with my work.
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Blending Homemade Smoothie and What Blender to Use
Some moms in my survey stated they dislike washing the blender. The blender I use is so easy to clean as it is small. You don’t need a huge container to make a smoothie. I love my Nutribullet blender for its simplicity and easy handling. My mom bought it for me on my birthday and she hit the jackpot with it!
- When blending frozen vegetables or fruit try to place them into the desired liquid for at least 15 minutes before mixing it. It will preserve your blender and you will avoid scratches on its jar.
- Don’t overload it. Use your MAX mark wisely
- If you rinse it right away you will have no trouble with cleaning it Fill it halfway with lukewarm water and add a drop of dish detergent. Blend the water and soap for 10 seconds. Rinse thoroughly.
#1 Best Recipe for Green Smoothie
Recipe for two kids:
- Milk – the amount depends on the consistency you want. We put 10oz / 3 dcl for 2 kids. You can use coconut water or almond milk if you prefer.
- 5 – 7 frozen spinach cubes
- 1 banana
- Tbl spoon of honey, no sugar needed
- 3 butter cookies – just to mask the taste for our picky eaters.
- Add some nuts like hazels, almonds, and walnuts…
- Recipe: Blend all together for 30 seconds, wait for a couple of seconds, and blend for another 30 seconds
For more detailed recipe and nutrition facts and advice go to the Spinach Recipe page.
#2 Berries Smoothie with Beets
- 1 Pomegranate
- 2 oranges and 1 lemon squeezed juice
- 1 cup of frozen berries
- Couple slices of beet – Start with small slices and try to find the exact amount that your picky eater won’t notice
- Add water if you want to dilute it.
- Recipe: Cut the pomegranate with a knife and use your fingers to separate the fruit, which is later washed in a strainer and cleaned of pale yellow skin. All the liquid goes into the blender first and then the berries and beets. Blend for a minimum of 2×30 seconds (to preserve your blender). Then strain the mixture through a plastic strainer (strain by lightly pressing at the end with a large spoon for precious juice).
For more details of this recipe go to the Pomegranate smoothie recipe page.
This will be the tastiest berry smoothie recipe you have ever tasted! Trust me... Your kids will love it. They wont taste the beet but will have the great amount of healthy substances. A great choice for a healthy meal.
#3 Recipe for Orange Smoothie
- 2 halves of peach – during the winter you can use the one from the can
- 1 carrot – peeled and chopped into rings
- Squeezed orange juice of two oranges 1 peeled apple or a pear – or both
- Juice of one lemon
- A couple of slices of ginger
Recipe: After blending all the ingredients, strain the contents through a strainer and lightly push with a large tablespoon. The pulp left in the strainer is an excellent vitamin bomb for creating a thick juice we remember from our childhood. So it is important to squeeze as much as you can. Maybe your kid will drink it without straining… I am not that lucky, LOL. This recipe is a vitamin c bomb, isn’t it?!
Hope these recipes for picky eaters will suit you and your kids. Once you get the hang of it, it will be a lifesaver for your family and kid’s health. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your ingredients and presentation – sometimes a simple change in the way a dish is served can make all the difference. Another great tip is to involve your kids in the cooking process, as they are more likely to try new foods if they have helped to prepare them. These picky eater hacks will help make mealtime a more enjoyable experience for the whole family.
FAQ
Can a Smoothie Replace a Meal for a Toddler?
A smoothie can be a nutritious addition to a toddler’s diet, but it shouldn’t replace a balanced meal. It’s important to offer a variety of foods to ensure they’re getting all the necessary nutrients for growth and development.
What Age Can Kids Drink Smoothies?
Kids can start drinking smoothies around 15-18 months. It’s a great way to introduce fruits and veggies. But remember, transitioning from drinking to chewing takes time. Patience and repeated exposure are key.
Are Smoothies Good for Picky Toddlers?
Smoothies can be a good option for picky toddlers because they can be customized to their preferences and packed with nutritious ingredients. It’s important to make them visually appealing and involve kids in the process to increase their interest.
Conclusion
In conclusion, getting your toddler to drink a smoothie can be a challenging task, but with a little creativity and persistence, it can be done.
Remember, smoothies are a great way to sneak in essential nutrients, and studies show that children who consume smoothies regularly have a higher intake of fruits and vegetables.
So don’t give up, keep experimenting with flavors and presentation, and soon enough, your little one will be happily sipping on nutritious smoothies.
Do share your healthy meal recipes and let me know how your kids liked ours!
Remember Moms… WE ARE STRONGER THAN WE ALL THINK!
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2 comments
That pomegranate smoothie sounds delicious. Let’s see if my son will like it. Well, I know I will definitely give it a go.
Thank you, Natalie! You definitely have to give it a go. Hope your son will enjoy it as much as my girls do. Be sure to let me know.