With childhood obesity rates on the rise, it’s more important than ever to make sure your kids are eating plenty of fruits and veggies. But as any parent knows, convincing a picky eater to try something new can be a major challenge.

That’s where smoothies come in! These delicious drinks can be packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, including veggies, without your kids even realizing it.

1. Banana & Spinach Smoothie

Spinach may not be the most appealing vegetable to a young palate, but when combined with sweet banana and creamy Greek yogurt, it becomes a delicious treat! To make this smoothie, simply blend together:.

1 ripe banana
1 cup spinach
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie is a great way to start the day, providing your child with a good dose of protein and fiber to keep them full until lunchtime.

2. Chocolate Beet Smoothie

Beets are a great source of folate, potassium, and fiber, but their earthy flavor can be a turn-off for some kids.

Mixing them with a bit of cocoa powder and banana masks the taste and provides a fun, chocolatey treat! To make this smoothie, blend together:.

1 cooked beet, peeled and chopped
1 banana
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie provides a fun way to boost your child’s nutrient intake, while also satisfying their sweet tooth.

3. Carrot Cake Smoothie

Carrots are loaded with beta carotene, which helps support healthy eyes and skin. Incorporating them into a smoothie that tastes like dessert is a great way to get your kids to eat more of them. Combine the following ingredients in a blender:.

1/2 cup cooked and mashed carrots (can be canned or fresh)
1/2 banana
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie tastes like a slice of carrot cake, but provides much more nutritional value!.

4. Avocado & Berry Smoothie

While avocados are often thought of as a savory ingredient, their mild flavor and creamy texture make them a great addition to sweet smoothies.

This smoothie combines avocado with strawberries and blueberries, making it a tasty way to sneak in a serving of veggies! Simply blend:.

1/2 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie provides Healthy fats from the avocado and antioxidants from the berries, making it a nutritious and delicious option for breakfast or a snack.

5. Cinnamon Sweet Potato Smoothie

Sweet potatoes are a great source of vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. In this smoothie, they’re combined with cinnamon and apple for a cozy, comforting flavor. Blend together:.

1/2 cooked sweet potato, mashed
1/2 apple, cored and chopped
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie makes a great breakfast or snack, providing your child with plenty of energy and nutrients to power through their day.

6. Pineapple & Kale Smoothie

Kale is one of the healthiest veggies out there, but it can have a strong, bitter flavor that’s not always appealing to kids. Pairing it with sweet pineapple and mango helps balance out the taste, resulting in a refreshing and nutritious smoothie.

Blend together:.

1 cup kale, chopped
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mango juice
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie provides vitamin C from the pineapple, along with fiber and iron from the kale.

7. Peanut Butter & Cauliflower Smoothie

Cauliflower may not be the first vegetable that comes to mind when making a smoothie, but its mild flavor and creamy texture make it a great addition to this peanut butter smoothie.

This combination of fruit, veggies, and protein make for a substantial snack or meal replacement. Blend together:.

1/2 cup cooked and mashed cauliflower (can be frozen or fresh)
1 banana
2 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie is rich in protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a filling breakfast or snack.

8. Mango & Carrot Smoothie

Like we mentioned earlier, carrots are loaded with beta-carotene, making them an excellent candidate when it comes to sneaking veggies into smoothies. They blend perfectly with mango in this refreshing, tropical smoothie. To make it, blend together:.

1 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup cooked and mashed carrots (can be canned or fresh)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie is a great source of vitamin C from the mango and vitamin A from the carrots.

9. Pumpkin Pie Smoothie

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense squash packed with vitamin A, fiber, and potassium. In this smoothie, it’s combined with pumpkin pie spices to create a delicious, seasonal treat that’s sure to please. Blend together:.

1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
1/2 banana
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice blend (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice)
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie provides the perfect way to celebrate fall while still getting in your daily dose of nutrients.

10. Spinach & Mango Smoothie

Last but not least, this smoothie combines sweet mango with nutrient-rich spinach to create a tasty, healthy treat. Blend together:.

1 cup spinach, chopped
1 cup frozen mango chunks
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mango juice
1 tsp honey (optional)

This smoothie provides a great way to boost your child’s nutrient intake, while also satisfying their sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Smoothies can be the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies while still providing a delicious and satisfying treat. The possibilities are endless, and you’re sure to find a combination that your child will love.

So next time your little one turns up their nose at their vegetables, try blending them into a smoothie instead!.