INSIDE OUT

Oh, how I love these smoothies! First off, this is not my idea. I really wish I knew where the original idea came from... I'm sure they could patent it and make a mint!!! If you do a search on this smoothie (or shake, as some call it), you will find many.

I have two children who will eat almost anything... and lots of it. My 4 year old, on the other hand, seems to be fasting all things green... except green fruit. So, the perfect solution? Smoothies with lost of fruit, berries, green kale and one of their favorite characters: SHREK! :) I have been making fruit smoothies since before kids... this is just the greatest addition that I hadn't even thought of until someone suggested it to me via internet. We all need so many fruit and vegetables... my suspicion is that we barely eat half of the minimum recommendation. These smoothies oxidize your cells, helping to fight disease and increase immunity. The omegas in here ALONE are enough to create super sharp kids. So what are you waiting for!!??

You can make these anyway you think you'll kids will eat them. Here's what I use:
-1 cup of firmly pressed down (as much as you can fit in there), loosely cut green Kale
-1 1/2 cups of rice milk (or whatever milk you use... you could also use water, but you'll have to add another banana or 1Tbsp of sweetener like maple syrup or agave nectar)
-1 cup of mixed berries and/or fruit (frozen or fresh)
-1 banana (frozen or fresh)
1 Tbsp Ground Flax Seed
1 Avocado (optional)

Directions: Blend Kale and rice milk until Kale is well blended. Add remaining ingredients and blend until smooth. Serve with large straw, spoon, or have them drink out of the cup.

Watch your picky eaters be the healthiest kids out there! If you want a great video I just found (with some extra info, which I can't verify but is interesting nonetheless) try this video on youtube: http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=c-stAb1Pkgg&feature=related

*ETA - I've noted that for those who've tried this Smoothie, that they are not getting the green color mentioned. If that is you, I'm sorry I didn't mention that depending on what berries you use, you might find a grey or even blue color. This hasn't effected my picky eater at ALL!! He actually still calls them Shrek Smoothies and will eat away. What I've been using to keep it green is an assortment of frozen yellow fruit I buy in a big bag at the grocery store this time of year.

Hope this helps! :)