Every parent from the beginning of time would love to see their children eat a little more vegetables, especially their greens. Luckily for us the green smoothie can come to the rescue. The best way to get children to drink these is to get them to help make them. A
daily green smoothie is an effective way to give the body the nutrients it needs, providing nature's perfect multivitamin. A green smoothie is a delicious drink that includes fruit and green vegetables. All you need is a blender (I use a Vitamix), some leafy greens, fruit and water. Nicki MacKinnon gives three organic green smoothies to try:
Immune boost
| 3 | Kiwifruit, organic (Main) |
| 1 squeeze | Lemon |
| 1 | Apple, organic (Main) |
| ½ | Oranges, peeled, plus a little of the skin if it's organic (Main) |
| 1 handful | Pumpkin seeds, preferably soaked |
| 2 cups | Spinach, organic |
| 2 cups | Water |
Play all day energy smoothie
| 1 | Banana, organic (Main) |
| 1 cup | Pineapple (Main) |
| 1 cup | Spinach, organic |
| 1 cup | Kale leaves, organic |
| 2 cups | Water |
| 1 to taste | Fresh mint |
The brain support smoothie
| 1 | Banana, organic |
| 1 cup | Blueberries, organic, frozen is fine (Main) |
| 5 | Walnuts, soaked and rinsed |
| 1 cup | Kale leaves, organic |
| 1 tsp | Honey |
| 1 cup | Yoghurt, or nut milk |
| ½ | Water, or a little more if needed |
Directions
Immune boost
Blend until smooth. This smoothie contains astronomical amounts of immune-enhancing natural vitamin C, beta-carotene, antioxidants, vitamin K, zinc, folate, potassium, polyphenols and bioflavinoids.
Play all day energy smoothie
Blend until smooth, best served cold. High in potassium and other minerals, which are great for physical activity. Bromine, an enzyme in pineapple, is important for digestive health. Also a good source of thiamin, a B vitamin that acts as a co-factor important to energy production. Alkalising, energising and super-hydrating.
The brain support smoothie
Blend until smooth, which may come out more brown than green. If you strike child compliance issues with colour, swap the blueberries with kiwifruit. This smoothie contains loads of vitamin K (important for brain function), good levels of omega-3 fatty acids, a slow supply of glucose for brain function, high in antioxidants, good for memory and other cognitive function.
