Three Super Smoothies for Picky Eaters

Trust me when I say my kids are picky, which is challenging and frustrating. Dealing with a child who is reluctant to try new foods or outright refuses to eat certain items often leads to mealtime battles and stress. Providing my picky eaters with a balanced and nutritious diet has sometimes been a struggle, but one thing has always saved the day: Smoothies!

Smoothies are a fantastic option for all kids because they offer a way to incorporate a wide range of nutrients into their diets. They are especially useful for picky eaters, who wouldn’t otherwise get all the vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber that you can sneak into a smoothie. The smooth texture of these beverages can also be more appealing to children who are sensitive to certain textures in whole foods. Lastly, I find that my kids really enjoy helping make smoothies, so it’s a nice way for them to get involved in the kitchen.

Getting a Magic Bullet has quite literally changed my life, because it makes the process of making smoothies and cleaning up very easy. The only downside is that you can’t make a large batch, but for 1-2 servings, it’s definitely my go-to.

My family’s top 3 smoothies:

1. Mighty Monkey (Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie)

1 banana

1 cup of 2% milk (This is what we always have on hand, but any kind of milk is fine)

2 teaspoons cocoa powder

2 tablespoons peanut butter

A few ice cubes (to taste)

2. Classic Strawberry Banana

6-8 whole frozen strawberries (or about 1 cup sliced)

1 banana

½ cup vanilla yogurt (You could also use strawberry, plain, or another flavor you have)

1 cup almond milk (I prefer non-dairy milk for this one, but any milk will do the trick)

3. Green Goodness

This smoothie is a little more high maintenance because of the amount of ingredients, but it’s packed with vitamins, protein, and fiber.

1 banana

½ cup frozen mango

1 cup baby spinach

2 teaspoons peanut butter (or other nut butter)

2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey

1 tablespoon oats

1 cup almond milk (or any other milk)