Getting kids to eat their greens is no easy feat. But we think we’ve figured out the trick…. Smoothies! And popsicles! Kids go bananas for smoothies and popsicles (especially the recipe we’re gonna share in a sec) and it’s so easy to sneak in super healthy ingredients like spinach, blueberries, chia seeds, and more. If your kiddo still isn’t swayed, though, here are some other tips: 

• If your child is hesitant about the color, serve in a colored cup with a lid and straw.
• If they don’t like the texture, try pouring into popsicle molds. Kids love pops!
• Let them take part in the process – encourage them to pick out the ingredients, let them put the spinach in the blender, allow them to play DJ while you make it, etc. It’s all about giving them ownership.
• You can alter any recipe to fit your kid’s tastes – sweeter (go for sweeter fruits like banana, mango, and pineapple or add a couple drops of stevia or a drizzle of honey), less sweet (add avocado and choose berries instead of the sweeter fruits mentioned before), thinner (add more liquid), thicker (use less liquid), etc. Play around!

Now get blending!

Mint Chip Smoothie (and Popsicle!)

Ingredients

• 2 cups or handfuls of spinach leaves
• 1 cup full-fat canned coconut milk
• 5-6 fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup honey or grade B pure maple syrup
• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips (optional) or cacao nibs

Directions

1. In a blender or processor, blend all ingredients (except chocolate chips) until completely smooth.
2. Pour into cups if enjoying as a smoothie and sprinkle with chocolate chips.
3. If making popsicles, pour into popsicle molds or paper cups with spoons as the sticks. Add chocolate chips to each mold. They will sink to the bottom but that’s okay! Freeze completely.