building a nutrient dense + balanced smoothie

You all know how important I feel building a balanced meal is, and I feel the same way about smoothies. Essentially, anything you are serving your little one, should for the most part, be well balanced to ensure you are not only providing your little one the best opportunity to meet their nutrient requirements, but also help sustain energy levels and fullness between snacks and meals.

Similar to when creating a balanced meal, I recommend ensuring that you include:

A carbohydrate – milk, oats, yoghurt

A fat – avocado, nut butter, nut meal, avocado oil, chia seeds, hemp seeds, yoghurt

A fruit and/or vegetable – berries, banana, mango, zucchini, cauliflower, spinach,

Using this framework to create smoothies, ensures that they will be energy dense enough for our growing toddlers, contain enough fibre to help aid digestion and fat to help sustain fullness for longer. You are also packing a drink with loads of nutrients and it can be a great way to get some extra veggies into your little one.

NOTE: I don’t recommend smoothies for those under 12mo, or even younger toddlers, as I prefer to really nurture the chewing skills that are developing. Instead, holding off until closer to 15-18 months of age. I would also advise against offering smoothies as a meal, rather a snack instead.

Check out the recipe hub for some nutrient dense, well balanced smoothies.