Approved Kid Hidden Vegetable Smoothie

Directions

• Prepare the ingredients:
  Peel and slice the banana, wash the baby spinach leaves, peel and dice the cucumber, and peel and chop the carrots.
• Blend the vegetables:
  In a blender, combine the baby spinach leaves, diced cucumber, and chopped carrots. Add the milk and orange juice to help blend the vegetables smoothly.
• Add the fruit:
  Add the sliced banana and frozen mixed berries to the blender. If using, add honey or maple syrup for sweetness.
• Blend until smooth:
  Blend all the ingredients until smooth and creamy. If desired, add ice cubes to make the smoothie colder and thicker.
• Taste and adjust:
  Taste the smoothie and adjust the sweetness or consistency as needed. Add more honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness or more milk or orange juice for a thinner consistency.dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
• Serve:
  Pour the smoothie into glasses and serve immediately. For extra nutrition, garnish with a slice of fruit.
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• Variations and Add-Ins
  You might want to try several versions before landing one or more favorites. Here are a few twists and turns you could take with my base recipe:
• Tropical twist smoothie:
• Instead of mixed berries, use frozen mango and pineapple chunks.
• Add 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt for creaminess and protein.
• Include a handful of coconut milk instead of cow’s milk.
• Chocolate banana spinach smoothie:
• Replace the mixed berries with cocoa powder (about 2 tablespoons). Guys, the cocoa will hide any trace of spinach – trust me on this one.
• Use unsweetened almond milk or chocolate milk for added flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for richness and protein.
• Berry blast green smoothie:
• Keep the mixed berries, but switch out the banana for an apple, cored and chopped.
• Include a handful of kale leaves or Swiss chard and the baby spinach for extra greens.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
• Peachy keen smoothie:
• Swap the mixed berries for frozen peach slices and a handful of frozen strawberries.
• Use vanilla-flavored yogurt instead of plain for a sweeter taste.
• Include a tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds for added fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Protein-packed power smoothie:
• Keep the banana and mixed berries, but add a scoop of your favorite protein powder (vanilla or chocolate).
• Include a tablespoon of oats for fiber and sustained energy.
• Use unsweetened almond or soy milk for additional protein.