Smoothies are the best way to get alot of powerful nutrition in a single gulp. They are easy and perfect for on the go breakfasts, snacks or desserts! Children love them and it's an ideal way to be sure your child is getting all he or she needs nutritionally for the day. I know I am always looking for ways to get more protein into my son.

Protein, especially in the morning, will help your child focus in school and feel good. The word protein means "of primary importance" in the Greek language. Without enough protein, you cannot feel optimistic, calm and enthusiastic. Why is this so? Because the neurotransmitters in our brains that send out those positive, calm feelings can only be made by all of the twenty-two different types of amino acids that are available in protein. My son will not eat eggs, so I had to find a way to get that all important protein into his body somehow!

Smoothies are the perfect choice! You can add essential supplements into the smoothie recipes without your child even knowing if need be! Although I like to make them with my son and I feel it's important they learn how to eat and why what they are eating is important for their bodies. After all, they will be on their own one day - making their own decisions. If we teach them right, they will be good ones. What follows are some delicious and yummy healthy smoothie recipes  that most kids will love!

You can put just about anything into a smoothie to make it healthy. Here are some ideas that will make them healthy as well as delicious!

Whey Protein Powder. This comes in chocolate, vanilla and strawberry and is loaded with all the essential amino acids your body needs.

Aloe Vera Juice. Aloe vera juice is so good for your immune system and digestive track. It is full of potassium, calcium, iron, , chromium, manganese, copper and zinc.

Flax oil or seeds. Flax is rich in Omega 3's and fiber if you eat the seeds. My son loves to chew on these!

Probiotic. I love UDO's Choice Children's Probiotic to ensure my son has a healthy digestive system. This has 8 child-specific strains of good bacteria. Open up a capsule and sprinkle it in the smoothie.

Brewer's Yeast. Brewer's Yeast has all the B vitamins your child needs in food form.

 There are as many differnet varieties of smoothies as there are fruits and vegetables.  Some essentials are  yogurt, a liquid , frozen fruit and add ice if necessary.

1.  Start with a base of 1/2 cup yogurt, usually vanilla.

2.  Add a little liquid (almond milk, apple juice, orange juice).  Whatever you prefer, but go slow so not to make it too runny.

3.  Add supplements and protein powder.

4.  Add frozen or fresh fruit.  If you use fresh fruit you will need to add ice.

5.  If you need more sweetener, add honey.

This is the basic recipe for almost any smoothie.  Add Strawberries, blueberries, rasberries or whatever your child likes best to make it yummy.  Some good combinations are Strawberry- Banana smoothie, Banana-Blueberry smoothie. Orange smoothie, Straberry-Peach, Chocolate-peanut butter, etc...you get the idea.  Use your imagination and have fun!