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Fun Fuels for Kids: Green Smoothie Pops
Fun Fuels for Kids: Green Smoothie Pops
Raise your hand if you remember eating homemade popsicles too quickly, getting brain freeze, then conning your little sister out of hers because Mom said you could only have one. Was that middle part just me? Oh, I was such a naughty child, but here I am: trying to be a good mom by making healthy green smoothie pops for my own squabblers.
And I always know I’ve succeeded when my son tries to con his older sister out of the rest of hers. I guess it runs in the family, eh?
I’m grateful for the input from various Fit2B fans on the recipes in this post. If you have your own ideas for fun fuels for kids, including healthy green smoothie pops, leave a comment. They don’t have to actually be “green” in color. By green, we just mean healthier with less packaging.
“Start with an unsweetened plain Greek yogurt which is high in protein and probiotics. Mix in your favorite healthy sweetener and then stir in your favorite fresh or frozen fruits. Blueberries work well and give them a fun purple color my daughter loves! We also love adding mango and strawberries. The other way we make homemade Popsicles is to pour any leftover green smoothies into our Popsicle molds and call them Incredible Hulk Popsicles!” —Nisha Riggs
Reality: I also buy pre-made frozen goodies!
Keeping my fridge stocked with things my family has time to eat AND enjoy is an adventure in compromise. Sometimes I make uber-healthy green popsicles that my kids think are fun. Sometimes I buy otter pops. Sometimes I milk a goat, and sometimes I use powdered creamer. It’s a healthy hybrid life.
Here’s a cool popsicle mold I found on Amazon
Speaking of hybrid, this post is different than our regular programming which normally focuses on family-friendly fitness for those who are dealing with core dysfunction like diastasis recti, hernia, prolapse, etc. The way we eat can affect our tummies BIGTIME, so healthy popsicles aren’t too much of a stretch, right?
Anyway, here are some more simple summer popsicle ideas:
“Put fresh berries (either pick one type or combine them) in a blender, puree, and add sugar to taste. If you have limes and/or mint on hand you can add those to taste as well. I just bruise a few leaves at a time and add them until I get a hint of it that doesn’t overwhelm the berries.” —Natalie S.
WORD TO THE WISE:
“Do not try the cucumber and mint recipe that goes around. My family has never forgiven me for that one.” —Karen R.
Orange Raspberry Popsicles:
What are some fun, fuel-packed popsicles you’ve made?
What’s your favorite healthy smoothie pop recipe? Is there a trick you use to make them more creamy and less icy? Do you have a funny story or memory about popsicles? Leave a comment below. We’d love to hear from you!
Thanks for the opportunity to guest post Bethany!
Sometimes getting popsicles out of the mold can be a little tricky. I run them under hot water and then run a knife along the sides of the mold. Works every time! If you’re shopping for popsicle molds, look for the sticks that have the little holes in them to make it easier for the popsicle to come out with the stick!
Great blog and information! I haven’t tried this in frozen pops! I just make the smoothies. This would be a great addition for my grandkids!
My kids love to pour all kinds of things into popsicle molds and freeze it but I’ve never thought of a popsicle as fule for their fun.
Great ideas Nisha.
I’ve never seen leftover green shake at our house, we would have to make an extra just for the pop.
Josh, with my little tiny ones, I’m always overestimating how much green smoothie they can drink and I don’t think any smoothie tastes very good after being thawed in the fridge. Bring on the Popsicle molds!
Great post Bethany. Very helpful. I love how you are teaching your kids the need to eat protein and fiber. This early education will create a long lasting behavior and clear the path for better help. Thanks for sharing. TW
I love the idea of freezing your green smoothie leftovers. That will work for me as well as the kids. I guess you could do the same with any lefover smoothie. Great idea!
It is always nice when you and your kids/grandkids can eat the same thing!
Nice Idea. Now I need to convince my wife to make them for me!
Wow- great idea. Pretty sneaky getting all those healthy things in and calling it a popsicle! Who can resist a popsicle? Those look yummy!
Eating is a habit that we dominate since our childhood!
Great idea!