Homemade smoothie recipes provide a way me to to vary my baby’s daily snacks, introduce her to new fruits and veggies, and include a variety of healthy ingredients in her diet. Smoothies can easily be tailored to certain tastes and flavour preferences as well as individual dietary requirements.
The variations in smoothie recipes are practically endless, which means they appeal to everyone, even the finickiest of eaters! Over the year I’ve created a slew of fruit & veggie combinations, and packed them with super healthy additional ingredients. This helps to to ensure my baby gets all the vitamins and nutrients she needs.
Here are my top 8 healthy add-ons for superfood smoothies:
- Flaxseed is a natural laxative that also provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids to support brain health and can enhance the absorption of certain vitamins. With its mild flavour and thickening properties, ground flax is a great thickening agent in smoothies.
- Chia seeds are composed of 60% omega-3s, which makes it one of the richest plant based sources of fatty acids. Because it’s high in fiber it helps regulate bowels, which is very important for those babies who get constipated easily. Whole chia seeds are easily digested (unlike whole flaxseed) and are ideal for thickening smoothies and puddings.
- Greek yogurt contains calcium, is low in carbohydrates and sodium, and is a rich source of protein compared to other varieties of yogurts. It adds a thick and creamy texture, and its tart flavour helps balance out super sweet smoothies.
- Dairy-free milks such as coconut, hemp, soy, rice, and quinoa add a touch of sweetness to smoothies and a creamy consistency, making them ideal for babies and toddlers with allergies to animal milks.
- Avocados are high in fat (the good kind) and contain fat soluble vitamin E and heart-healthy folate. They have a super creamy texture and a very mild flavour, which makes them ideal for any fruit/veggie smoothie combination.
- Extra-virgin coconut oil has a light, slightly sweet, delicate coconut flavor and adds a buttery richness to smoothies. Coconut oil contains heart-healthy fats, is packed with essential nutrients, and has a ton of health benefits.
- Dried dates contain both soluble fiber, which helps balance blood sugar levels, and insoluble fiber, which helps improve bowel function. The addition of dates in smoothies adds a natural sweetness, therefore avoiding the need to add refined sugars.
- Oats are high in soluble dietary fiber, and a good source of iron, magnesium, selenium, and manganese. They have a high sateity value and when combined with fruits and other smoothie additions they make the perfect “meal” for baby.
Get started on your smoothie-making journey with one of these easy, delicious recipes that baby is sure to love!
