Want your little ones to eat more veggies and/or maybe even more fruit? Stop stressing or kicking yourself! Smoothies are the answer and children LOVE them! They enjoy helping you make them too. But at first you may need to be a little sneaky. It can be your healthy little secret. Smoothies can be the best remedy for the picky little eater. I have several grandchildren that fall into this category.

A few tips for those of you just starting out. I suggest starting out with fruit only at first, this way they fall in love with them. Experiment with different fruit. Start with a few at first, so if they show an allergy you will know which one caused it. Slowly start adding a veggie over the next few days.

Carrots are naturally sweet and they tend not to notice it. Start serving these smoothies as soon as you start introducing fruits and veggies to your little one. Buy fresh and organic if possible. In the winter months you will more than likely have to get frozen organic in the freezer section.  Ashlee, showed me that freezing bananas in little slices is the best treat ever. It’s like eating ice cream. I love throwing them in my smoothies. Makes the texture of the smoothie more like a shake and less like a juice.

CAUTION: DO NOT put milk in your smoothies. Instead use yogurt, whey, almond, coconut or rice milk. Less allergies and easier to digest.

My First Smoothie

1 banana ripe and frozen
1 cup of apple juice (from fresh juiced apple is best)
1-2 cups of carrots (baby organic)
1 cup plain yogurt

Blend in a blender and serve
ENJOY!

My Blue Nana

1 cup fresh/frozen blueberries
1 cup spinach/kale
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup plain yogurt
1 tbsp honey (local to your area)

Blend all together and serve – Definitely a favorite!

Experiment! There are no rules with smoothies! Don’t be afraid to try any veggie or fruit.

Whenever I have a delicious cup of Chai tea, I think of my daughter Rachel. She introduced me to it about 5 years ago and I fell instantly in love with it. It is the Indian way of drinking tea. You can buy the tea bags or make it yourself by putting shredded ginger, cinnamon powder and ground cardamon seeds in a pot with 2 cups of water and bring to a boil. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavor come out of the spices, then add tea and stir.

Here’s a yummy Chai Chicken recipe:

At a glance:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken legs
• 4 or 5 sliced carrots
• 1 cup coconut milk
• 2 cups of Chai tea

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees
2. Place the chicken and the carrots in your favorite casserole dish
3. Sprinkle on a pinch of salt and pepper
4. In a pot pour the coconut milk and tea together and boil
5. Pour over the chicken and carrots
6. Cover with a lid and bake for 45 minutes (longer if your chicken is bigger and needs it)
7. Serve it up with brown basmati rice and some greens of your choice
8. Use whatever coconut milk mixture is left as a sauce

Let me know how you like it. Enjoy!