Ever tried to make a healthy breakfast that a toddler will actually eat? I mean, you’d think throwing fruit into a blender wouldn’t be rocket science, but here we are. I got up way too early today. Again. There’s something about the idea of a smoothie that screams ‘nutritious’ but somehow ends up like a comedy skit in real life. At least in my kitchen, which often looks like a fruit massacre scene.
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So, there I was, staring at the battle of ingredients: a bowl of strawberries that already look like they’ve seen better days, bananas on the brink of turning into banana bread material, and something that I’m 80% sure is spinach. (It’s kind of hard to tell when it’s mashed in the bottom of the fridge for who-knows-how-long.) Anyway, I start chucking random handfuls into the blender along with some almond milk and a dollop of Greek yogurt, because I heard somewhere that’s supposed to be good for you.
The blender roars to life, and my kid looks at it like it’s a dragon that’s come to attack his Lego fortress. But hey, after all the splattering and the obligatory ‘taste test’ – which always involves my toddler sticking their entire hand into the blender – we end up with something that’s drinkable.
I call it ‘Mom’s Super Smoothie.’ My little one calls it ‘icky green stuff,’ but ironically still gulps it down like it’s a strawberry milkshake from a fancy place. Go figure. I guess there’s something hypnotic about drinking breakfast from a straw, and maybe that’s why he’s so onboard with my chaotic creation efforts. Though, sometimes I think he just likes watching me freak out when he almost knocks the glass off the table while trying to balance it on his head. (Stay calm, they’ve said…)
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If it weren’t for some random advice online, I’d probably surrender to cereal every day. But, here we are, in smoothie-ville. Maybe it’s not Michelin star worthy, but it’s got character. And probably some extra nutrients (that’s what I tell myself).
I’m just hoping they’ll remember these mornings fondly with a rosy glow that dims the chaotic mess and the three changed shirts of the day. Because man, it’s worth it when they slurp down that last drop, giggling like they’ve just discovered magic. My eyes still hurt. I need coffee. Ugh.
