Smoothies are always a good idea

Smoothies are a fantastic way to pack in the nutrients and are a wonderful portable option when you’re out and about and want to pack a mess free option (thank you SUBO - use code LETSSLEEP10 for a discount until 21st Nov).

It’s sometimes tricky to know what to put into a smoothie. You might have questions like: “How much is too much fruit?” Or, “do I need to add protein?” These are important questions as there’s nothing more powerful than knowing you’re fuelling your little one’s body with what it needs.

When you’re building a smoothie, you want to ensure it has a serve of protein, carbs and healthy fats. This ensures good blood sugar control and means no crazy sugar highs! By adding in a handful of baby spinach, kale, avocado or frozen zucchini, you can also get in a serve of vegetables without your little one even knowing! 

Some common carbs options include fruits such as banana, mango, pineapple or oats & quinoa flakes. Some fat options include nut and seed butters, milks, chia seeds and avocado.

When you are thinking about the protein portion of a smoothie, babies don’t need huge amounts of protein, so I would add up to protein in the oats, chia seeds and nut butters you are using and then consider adding a quality collagen powder or family friend protein powder. My favourite is Nutra Organics Thriving Protein which is suitable from 12 months.

Consistency is KEY to a creamy smoothie, you need just the right amount of sweetness, liquid and ice! I’ve done the trial and error for you with these three recipes below so all you need to do is get blending! What’s important about these recipes is that they contain a good balance of protein, carbs and good fats and even happen to contain some veg! Use these as a base and get creative yourself, maybe try switching up the frozen zucchini for steamed and frozen cauliflower and even mix up the milks and nut butters you use. The wider variety of foods we can get into little one’s diets, the better.

If you need to swap out the almond milk, you can opt for a coconut milk and the same goes for the nut butters, switch up the nuts you use or use ones that have been introduced and are well tolerated.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (I love the brand Pure Harvest)
• 1 teaspoon chia seeds
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ - 1 serve vanilla protein powder
• 2 handfuls spinach leaves
• ¼ avocado
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 frozen banana 

Method

Add almond milk and chia seeds to the blender and let sit for 5 mins to allow the chia seeds to expand. Add remaining ingredients and blend to desired consistency.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen zucchini, sliced
• 1 large handful spinach
• ½ - 1 serve protein powder
• 125ml unsweetened almond milk (I love the brand Pure Harvest)
• 125ml water
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 tablespoon nut butter
• 1/2 tablespoon psyllium husks
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Method

Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy but still a thick consistency. If desired, add in the ice and blend for a further minute.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

• 1 cup coconut milk (I love the brand Pure Harvest Coco Quench)
• ½ cup frozen blueberries
• ½ cup frozen raspberries
• ½ -1 serve vanilla protein powder
• 1 tablespoon tahini
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1 handful spinach
• 1 cup ice, optional

Method

Place all ingredients excluding the ice, into a blender and blend until a creamy and thick consistency. If using, add in the ice and blend for another minute.

As any parent knows, cooking and preparing for your little one can be really overwhelming. Whether you are a stay at home mum, or work a full time job outside of the home, it's tough to juggle all the chores and yet still prep delicious AND nutritious meals.

Jazz and Thea have co-written an eBook 'Eat Well Sleep Well' to educate and inspire you with the resources you need to make nourishing food for your baby and set solid foundations around sleep and nutrition early on.

The book will be is available for purchase here

Thea is the Resident Nutritionist here at Let's Sleep. Thea is passionate about empowering women and Mother's to become the healthiest version of themselves. To book in a complimentary 15 minute discovery call with Thea click here.