I don’t know about you all, but morning at our house during the school year can be really hectic. I have kids that are wide awake by 6:30 am all summer but as soon as the school year starts my girls are like zombies until I literally drag them out of bed and turn on every light! So, arguing about breakfast is just not an option. I need something that is quick and healthy, that they will eat happily.
It isn’t easy to provide a non sugar filled breakfasts in the morning. Cereals, toaster pastries and cereal bars just don’t provide the nutrition kids should start their day with. Juices from concentrate are far from being nutritional and so sugary that they provide an immediate boost of energy with a huge slump once kids get to their first class! Ideally, I would get up early enough to cook eggs and make a yummy yogurt with fruit and organic granola, but that’s probably not going to happen most mornings!
I love smoothies. I can really fill mine with some highly nutritional foods that I wouldn’t normally eat in a non smoothie form. My kids can be so picky that they won’t even eat certain foods in smoothie form. BUT-freeze a smoothie-call it a popsicle and viola! you’ve got a highly nutritional breakfast that even includes a veggie!!
Ok, so you’re probably raising an eyebrow at me right about now-Let me tell you why these popsicles are nutritionally balanced and will provide an adequate amount of energy for your kids to get through the morning. You should know though, I still worry that my daughter will get hungry mid-morning so she usually eats something more as well. We like organic poptarts. I can find the linked brand at Walmart. They are mess free and yummy!
First off, let’s talk nutrition-
Chia Seeds are a powerhouse food. Just 1 TBSP. contains 5.5 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and 4.5 grams of fat. They also contain a decent amount of Zinc, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B2.
Coconut Oil contains lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid. Because coconut oil has anti fungal, anti bacterial, anti viral properties, it can fight viruses, fungus, bacteria, candida and parasites. Coconut oil can help boost immunities.
Coconut oil contains medium chain triglycerides, which are fatty acids of a medium length. They go straight to the liver from the digestive tract, where they are used as a quick source energy!
Coconut Milk contains 50% more calcium than dairy milk. It’s also a great source of Vitamin D and is dairy, soy, lactose and gluten free. Coconut milk is much easier on the digestive system then milk can be.
Raw Honey is a natural antioxidant. It contains enzymes and minerals including iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and selenium. Vitamins found in honey include vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin. Raw honey helps neutralize damaging free radical activity. It also promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine and can even counteract seasonal allergies!! It is a great defense against colds and flus!
Greek Yogurt is another great source of calcium and vitamin D. It helps give the popsicles a creamy taste and of course it contains live cultures which promote good gut health!
Find molds HERE, HERE or HERE.
Most of the ingredients you can find at your grocery store or health food store, but I have linked a few high quality items for online ordering!
Breakfast Popsicles for Kiddos
- 1-2 cups Organic baby spinach
- 1 TBSP. Raw Honey (find HERE)
- 1/2 cup Organic Greek Yogurt (plain, full fat)
- 1 TBSP. Unrefined Coconut Oil (find HERE)
- 1 cup Coconut Milk
- 1 TBSP. Chia Seeds (find HERE)
- 1/4 cup organic strawberries (frozen works great)
- 1/2 cup pineapple (not canned)
Directions:
- Blend all ingredients.
- Transfer to popsicle molds.
- Freeze
- Enjoy!
Tips-
- I always buy a whole pineapple, chop it up and freeze it. I like to avoid canned food and there’s nothing like a fresh, whole pineapple!
- Because organic baby spinach is expensive-If I don’t use the spinach fast enough, I will freeze my spinach. Frozen spinach works great in a smoothie.
- I run hot water over the caps/covers of the popsicles in order to pop them out once they are frozen. Otherwise they can come out in chunks.
- I make my 5, almost 6 year old wear a bib in the care while she eats-just in case she drops some popsicle on her school outfit.
- Berries are the best choice for the fruit portion of this recipe but they are just not too sweet and they STAIN!!!
Popsicles are perfect for eating on the way to school. It’s a fun treat and the smoothie recipes are endless. Once they get tired of this recipe, mix it up with different fruits. Adding cinnamon is fun too! Hey, who said you couldn’t feed your kids a veggie before lunch!?!
xx, Jenni
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