Small children are constantly on the move which means that their parents are always as well. While parents often struggle to keep up without the energy levels of a toddler, they also rarely have time to treat their bodies properly with the food that they need to be energized for watching children. Quick trips for fast food might provide the calories needed to work, but not the nutritional value to drive your energy levels. Instead, a parent may have to turn to alternative quick meal options that are healthier and nutritious ways to eat properly, such as an energy rich smoothie.
Ingredients and Recipes for a Smoothie
Smoothies are basically blended fruit and vegetables with other add-ins and in a base of ice, water, or milk (almond and soy work well for lactose intolerant individuals). While juices and cooked fruits lose a lot of the nutritional value and fiber, smoothies contain most of the nutritional value from the food as it is uncooked or processed fruits and vegetables. This allows you to retain additional nutrition and energy levels.
A basic recipe might involve a cup of milk, a few ice cubes, a banana, scoop of peanut butter, and a push of the button. Alternatively, you can substitute the banana and peanut butter with berries and apples for a fruitier concoction. There is no limit to the endless varieties of fruit that you can throw to a blender but consider also adding vegetables to magnify the health of the smoothie. Some raw spinach or kale can work to increase the health of your shake and give you more energy. Likewise, carrots, radishes, and additives like wheatgrass or sprouts can also have the same impact.
Add Ions for Additional Nutrition and Fitness
With the addition of several ingredients, a smoothie can quickly become a superfood and more nutritious. Scour the list of superfoods and consider adding them to your smoothie for smoothie recipes. Ingredients like blueberries and acai work well, but chia seeds and other nutrient dense additives can also provide you with a boost of energy to keep up with your kids. Grinding up some peanut butter or raw nuts can give you a boost of protein and energy levels as well. There are an endless variety of ways to spruce up your smoothie and have it be the nutrient rich superfood that it can be.
Saving Time
Moms often are short of time with cleaning and caring for their children. By choosing a smoothie they can limit their prep and cleanup time. Simply wash and drop the fruits and veggies in the blender and throw it into t dish washer when done. An easy and healthy meal can be completed in under ten minutes and provide all the nutrition that you need.
Smoothies therefore make for a great energy booster and require little of the cleanup and time wasting properties of cooking. Smoothies also can be shared with most toddlers who love the rich and fruit flavored combinations that you can concoct. Save time and gain energy with a quick smoothie recipes.