Finally! Willow is officially in the smoothie game. I honestly could not wait for her to get enough fruits and veggies under her belt to start mixing up some smoothies for her. I love making them for her at least once a day as a snack for few reasons – 1) fast and easy, 2) great way to get in veggies, and 3) a way for her to feed herself while I make something to eat for myself or get something else done in the kitchen. Since we went the purée route, this just seemed like a new and exciting way to try something new. She was so freaking excited the first time I handed her a smoothie pouch. It was a bit messy, but once she got hang of it… much better.
I wanted to share some of her favorite combos these days. I usually give her about 1/2 pouch of smoothie in the afternoon and she totally looks forward to it. I’ll also share some links to the gear I use for this.
Just a note – I only started doing smoothies recently because Willow has tried a wide variety of fruits and veggies, and still going strong. I use what I know doesn’t bother her… which has fortunately been everything so far (even peanut butter!) Before making smoothies, I would just make sure you have tried all ingredients on their own to avoid any questions if an allergy or reaction flares. I am not a doctor or pediatrician (clearly) but just wanted to make a quick note.
Also note – I use the trays to freeze pureed fruits/veggies for control of portion, but if you only have frozen fruit on hand, just use your best judgement for how much. I just happen to have the trays already done because I like to do this in bulk once a month and then have a stockpile in fridge for quick access!
For gear, you’ll need:
Your blender – I have this one and love it
Freezing trays – these are my favorite because they make a huge quantity and I can mix and match without having too much in each block
Reusable pouches – aren’t these just the absolute cutest?
Willow’s favorite combos:
#1: Sweet Carrot – 1/2 banana, 1 block frozen carrot puree, 1 block frozen apple puree, splash of water for desired consistency
#2: PB + Banana – 1/2 banana (frozen works best in this recipe), 1 tsp peanut butter, splash of breastmilk or water for desired consistency
#3: Pears ‘n Greens – 1/2 banana, 1 block of frozen pear puree, 1 block of green bean puree, splash of water for desired consistency
#4: Blueberry Bliss – 1/2 banana, 1 block of frozen blueberry puree, 1 block frozen apple puree, splash of water for desired consistency
#5: Dreamy Creamy Avocado – 1/2 banana (frozen works best in this recipe), 1/4 avocado, splash of breast milk or water for desired consistency
#6: Nanaberry – 1/2 banana, 1 block of frozen strawberry puree, 1 tsp oatmeal, splash of water for desired consistency
#7: Peachy Perfect – 1/2 banana, 1 block of frozen peach puree, 1 block of carrot puree, splash of water for desired consistency
Just add ingredients to your blend and run until smooth. Fill up your pouch and watch how excited your little one gets to feed him or herself. So sweet. xo bianca
