I don’t know about you, but I’ve found that serving my sleepy family a glass full of goodness tends to work a bit better than asking anyone to handle whole fruit in the morning. Juice is always delicious, of course-- but how about using the whole fruit? That way you get the extra benefits of fiber. Smoothies can be sweet, easy, and delicious without a hint of added sugar, and you can make them vegan or low-calorie if that’s your thing, too. Grab the blender, pull out some citrus, and try these easy, family-friendly smoothies that everyone will enjoy.
1. Strawberry Orange Smoothie
Here’s a super simple smoothie that we think even a fruit-resistant toddler will go for—for one thing, it’s pink, and for another it features three fruits most kids can’t resist—strawberries, raspberries, and fresh Florida oranges.
2. Sunshine Smoothie
Step it up a notch with this tropical delight, featuring frozen banana, frozen mango, and frozen pineapple along with oranges. It’s like a trip to a sunny, warm island in your breakfast glass—perfect for the winter blahs, and packed with vitamin C and A.3. Strawberry Citrus Ginger Smoothie
I feel like this choice would be sure to wake me up—a strawberry-orange-ginger smoothie. Wow! This one is low-calorie, if that’s a concern for you, and refreshingly bright, not heavy.4. Grapefruit Tangerine Smoothie
Here’s a grapefruit-tangerine smoothie that gets its natural sweetness from citrus, dates, and banana! The original recipe calls for almond milk, but you could try it with dairy milk or other milks as well. It’s a pretty pink color that’ll have you thinking of spring too!
5. Creamsicle Smoothie
This dairy-free orange creamsicle smoothie calls for rich, delectable coconut milk along with 6 peeled oranges and a bit of orange zest. It serves 4 and will pack a serious vitamin C and flavonoid punch, thanks to the whole oranges and orange peel. Kids will love the orange juice sweetness and the vanilla flavor.6. Strawberry Spinach Orange Smoothie
All right, but if what if you’re just a little braver or more nutrition-minded, and you’re ready to get in some veggie servings, too? I know parents who swear by the “green smoothie” to get vegetables into their most produce-resistant kids, and I’ve even met adults who say it’s the way they get their kale and spinach and other nutrient-rich greens in. While this one may look a little surprising, its ingredients are simple and delicious, and the sweet oranges and berries will make it taste great. Why not give it a try?
7. Healthy Orange Chocolate Shake
Finally, if you love chocolate, here’s one last choice that’s healthy and indulgent both—a chocolate-orange shake made with fresh orange juice, frozen bananas, and cocoa powder. That ought to work!All right, I admit it…now I’m craving one of these treats. Enjoy your day—it’s bound to start off well after you’ve enjoyed one of these delicious and healthy drinks.
Thanks to Sally at Sally's Baking Addiction and Kari at GI365 for sharing their wonderful pictures!
