Every parent can recall at least one morning where you were in a rush, so the cereal box came with you to the car. Dried cereal for breakfast it is. Hey it happens to most of us, but we do have a work around. This month we’ve been working on different kinds of recipe ideas you can prep over the weekend and toss in the fridge or the freezer. Think things like protein balls, overnight oats, etc. This week we’re talking all about smoothies.

Your tool kit

There are a handful of “tools” every parent has in their arsenal. Non-spill cups, mommy hooks or clips, tide stain remover pens, anyone? If we may, consider adding just a couple more, they’ll not only help save you time, but maybe some extra cash along the way.

• Reusable freezer bags - Stasher is probably the most popular brand out there right now, but check with some of your local shops and grocery stores. When in doubt Amazon does have a ton of options to fit every budget. These bags are so useful, you can pack them with a single serving of smoothie ingredients and freeze. Then when morning comes just dump it into the blender, add your liquid, a 2 scoops of Healthy Height, blend and enjoy.
• Freezer safe containers - If traditional containers are more your style check these, they come in multiple sizes and are great for prepping smoothies for the week. Same rules apply, take your prepped fruit and veggies and freeze in your containers. When you’re ready just blend and enjoy. You’ll be out to door in no time at all.

Preparation is key

Now for the actual preparation part. Plan your shopping trips and buy in bulk where and when you can. This will not only save time but money in the long run. If recipes call for things like bananas or avocado, be sure to chop them into smaller pieces. It will make blending so much easier and faster. Clear your counter, put some tunes on and get to work. This will be done before you know it and breakfast for the week will be taken care of.

Now, let’s get started with these 5 delightful smoothie recipes you can prep ahead of time.

Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie

Now we know chocolate covered strawberries are a hit, but have you ever thought about chocolate covered cherries? Rich in antioxidants, this smoothie recipe also includes spinach so you can feel great about giving your kids something that sounds like dessert.

For the freezer

• ½ banana sliced
• 1 cup of frozen sweet dark cherries
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 2 tbsp almond butter

For the blender

1. Pull smoothie pack out of the freezer and add to a blender
2. 2 scoops of Chocolate Kidz Protein, Grow Daily 3+ or Grow Daily 10+ 
3. 1 - 1 ½ cups liquid of choice
4. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

The Green Machine

Would this even be a smoothie prep post without a green machine? We didn’t think so either. This smoothie is packed with fruits and veggies rich in vitamin C. Great for those colder months when we’re trying to keep our kid’s immune system strong.

For the freezer

• ½ of a large avocado chopped
• ½ cup frozen mango
• 1 cup kale

For the blender

1. Pull smoothie pack out of the freezer and add to a blender
2. 2 scoops of Plain Kidz Protein, Grow Daily 3+ or Grow Daily 10+ 
3. 1 cup plain almond milk unsweetened
4. ¼ - ½ cup orange juice
5. 1 tbsp chia seeds (optional)
6. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Blueberry Muffin Smoothie

Have you ever heard of anything more delicious? We don’t know about you, but muffins are a huge hit with many of our Healthy Height families. So why not create a smoothie recipe that can give you the same experience?

For the freezer

• ½ banana sliced
• 1 cup frozen blueberries

For the blender

1. Pull smoothie pack out of the freezer and add to a blender
2. 2 scoops of Vanilla Kidz Protein, Grow Daily 3+ or Grow Daily 10+ 
3. 1 - 1 ½ cups liquid of choice
4. 2 tbsp old fashioned oats
5. 2 tbsp chopped raw walnuts
6. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Orange Creamsicle Smoothie

This smoothie reminds us of warm summer days, but don’t let the name fool you. Packed with beta carotene and vitamin C, parents you can feel great about making this smoothie for your kiddos! We’ve added sweet potatoes and carrots, not the typical veggies you’re used to seeing in a smoothie but delicious nonetheless.

For the freezer

• ½ cup raw peeled, diced sweet potatoes
• ½ banana sliced
• 1 large clementine, in segments
• ½ cup raw sliced carrots

For the blender

1. Pull smoothie pack out of the freezer and add to a blender
2. 2 scoops of Kidz Protein, Vanilla Grow Daily 3+ or Grow Daily 10+ 
3. ½ - 1 cup of plain almond milk unsweetened
4. ½ cup of orange juice
5. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

Tropical Smoothie

There’s a reason many kids drinks come in fruit punch, kids love that tropical flavor. Let’s kick the processed sugar and added preservatives and instead create a smoothie using real ingredients.

For the freezer

• 1 ½ cups tropical fruit blend (any combination of mango, coconut, pineapple, papaya)
• 1 packed cup of baby spinach

For the blender

1. Pull smoothie pack out of the freezer and add to a blender
2. 2 scoops of Vanilla Healthy Heights 3+ shake mix or Grow Daily 10+ 
3. 1 - 1 ½ cups of coconut water or coconut milk to make it creamier
4. ¼ cup raw cashews
5. Blend until smooth and enjoy!