Introducing your preschooler to different types of fruit can broaden his tastes and start a healthy habit of including fruit in his daily meal plan. However, a young child may scoff at a plain apple. Blending fruit and fruit juice into a smoothie teaches children that healthy food can also be tasty. Rather than trying to sneak fruit into your preschooler’s diet, make sure he knows that the smoothie he’s enjoying is made from ingredients that are both yummy and healthy for him.
Fruits and Fruit Juices
Just about any fruit and fruit juices you choose to include in a smoothie can benefit your preschooler. Set up a variety of options so your child can customize her drink. Choices can include orange juice, which is rich in potassium and vitamin C, along with apples, grapes and pineapple juice. Choose juice that’s made with 100 percent fruit whenever possible, since many juice varieties are packed with artificial flavor and sugar. Read labels to ensure you are choosing all-fruit products. Bananas, peaches and any type of berries are also ideal fruits to include in smoothies.
Additions
While fruit and fruit juice provide a child with valuable nutrients, adding other ingredients can make the smoothie even healthier and more filling. Low-fat yogurt is rich in calcium and protein; adding a cup to a smoothie will make it thick and creamy. To make the smoothie into more of a dessert treat, add a scoop of frozen yogurt or ice cream. A teaspoon of honey will make the drink even sweeter for those preschoolers who have a sweet tooth.
Preparing Smoothies
Preschoolers love to help adults, and letting a child make her own smoothie guarantees that she will have it just the way she likes it. Remove the glass container from blender to ensure your child can’t accidentally turn on the blender while making her smoothie. Set out measuring cups so she can measure 1 cup of juice, 1 cup of fruit and whatever extras she wants to add. When the smoothie is ready to blend, securely cover the glass container, place it back on the base of the blender and show your preschooler the appropriate button to press.
Serving Smoothies
A smoothie that looks like dessert can even entice children who aren't fans of fruit. Skip the plastic sippy cup and pour a smoothie into a tall ice cream sundae glass. If you don't trust your preschooler around glass, pour the drink into a brightly-colored plastic cup and dress it up with a paper umbrella or chunks of fruit pressed onto the rim of the cup. Add a wide, colorful straw, since traditional straws are too thin for enjoying smoothies.
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