Vegetable and fruit smoothies: simple and healthy at home or at school

Let’s be honest. It’s easier to sell kids on an idea when it’s already ingrained in pop culture—when somebody else suggests that it is the new big thing. So get out the blender.

Vegetable and fruit smoothies are the new big thing. Everybody on Pinterest knows. And there’s probably even a smoothie bar in a strip mall near you right now. Here’s why:

• They’re easy to make.
• They’re easy to eat on the go.
• They taste good—maybe even a little indulgent.

They also provide an opportunity to double, triple or quadruple your daily fruit and vegetable intake. You can almost pack an entire day’s worth of fruits and veggies in one!

Here’s a simple, healthy recipe for you to try:

Strawberry Banana Green Smoothie
1 c strawberries (fresh or frozen)
1 banana
1 c spinach leaves (fresh or frozen)
½ cup Greek yogurt
½ cup skim or low-fat milk
1 c ice cubes
2 tsp honey
a pinch of cinnamon 

Blend all ingredients.

3 Tips for Beginners:

1. Put the liquid in first. Liquid around the blender blades allows them to move freely. Then add greens. Put chunks of fruit or vegetables into the pitcher last.
2. Start slow. Break up big pieces of fruit by starting your blender on low, then work your way up to high. If your blender has function buttons, pulse a few times, then switch to puree mode.
3. Thicken with ice. Smoothie too runny? Toss a few cubes in the blender.

Here’s possibly the best part, if you run a school or child care that provides meals to children or teens: vegetable and fruit smoothies can count towards reimbursable meals.

Serving vegetable and fruit smoothies in school is one “Get Smarter at Lunchtime” strategy we talk about in our new guide, Healthy Students Achieve More. Download your copy today.