Like most kids, when my son gets home from school he is starving. Though I send him a well-rounded and plentiful lunch, it usually gets half eaten because, recess. Duh. Often times, we have a slew of (sweaty) boys over for a playdate. Sometimes, it’s just me or my babysitter at the helm, other times, it’s kids and their moms for one big round of “don’t throw that down the stairs, boys play nice, please no jumping on the bed” extravaganza. The biggest hurdle for me and these playdates: Coming up with healthy but satisfying snack solutions that won’t require too much clean up or too much fuss. (He got more goldfish than I did! Can we have cake instead?!)
My new go-to: A smoothie “bar.” Smoothies made with milk are a great source of protein. There are 8 grams of protein in every 8 oz glass. With other essential nutrients like Calcium, Potassium, Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, Riboflavin, and Niacin, I feel really good about serving smoothies to the boys. Here are some of my favorite after school smoothies ideas:
Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie
Serves 2-3
- 2 Cups Milk
- 3 – 5 tbs All Natural Peanut Butter
- 2 Bananas
- 1 tbs Honey
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 cup of ice (for thickness)
Optional toppings: Peanut Butter Chips, Sliced Banana, Pretzel Sticks (For that delicious salty-sweet element!)
Berry Banana Pie Smoothie
Serves 2-3
- 2 cups Milk
- 2 cups Frozen Strawberries
- 1 Banana
- 1 tbs Honey
Optional toppings: Graham Crackers, Whipped Cream, Sliced Strawberries
I crushed 1 sheet of graham cracker. I rimmed the glass with milk and graham crackers and added a little spoonful on top with a teeny bit of whipped cream.
For an added boost of nutrition, I like to sometimes add Chia or Flax Seeds for high fiber. Cacao nibs (or chocolate chips), raspberries, coconut shreds and even spinach are super healthy additions to smoothies. Spinach is an easy way to add fiber and it does not alter the taste at all- but will alter the color!
California Milk fuels a better future. For kids, starting healthy habits now will lead to a healthier, brighter future. For more information, head to Got Milk?
My blog post was written as part of my part of my collaboration the California Milk Processor Board. I have been compensated for my partnership, but these views are my own.
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