Cool off this holiday weekend with some delicious, healthy, toddler approved smoothies and popsicles. That’s right. We said healthy AND toddler approved.
Parents everywhere are fighting the same battle: Please eat one more bite of your peas. No dessert until you finish your carrots. These green beans will help you grow big and STRONG!
We all know that eating healthy is important, but did you know that your little one's diet impacts their sleep?
Science Direct conducted a study in New Zealand and examined over 6,000 two-year-olds sleeping habits and their diet. The goal of this research project was to identify how food affects toddler’s sleep. The results? Toddlers who eat more vegetables tend to sleep better than toddlers who eat more fast food, sugary drinks, and snacks. This isn’t surprising! Vegetables, such as spinach and kale, contain melatonin and tryptophan, which promotes better sleep.
"When toddlers aren't getting the proper balance of nutrients, this can lead to irritability, fussiness, and trouble sleeping.” Nicole Avena, a research neuroscientist said. "Most toddlers are consuming too much sugar and this can impact behavior even into bedtime."
So, how are we going to convince our willful children to eat a more nutritious diet?
Enter Green Rascal.
Green Rascal is a small, family owned business that grows and produces premium greens right on their own farm. Green Rascal offers 35 spinach leaves in 1 tsp and 25 kale sprigs in a single teaspoon. It’s an easy, safe, and convenient way for you to get more veggies into your toddler’s diet.
Here are some recipes for healthy smoothies for toddlers straight from Mackenzie, the owner of Green Rascal. (Her own kids love these treats!)
Chocolate Smoothie
Milk (1 cup)
Green Rascal Spinach (1 or 2 scoops)
Banana (1 medium) – frozen or fresh
Vanilla Yogurt (1/2 cup)
Blueberries (1/2 cup)
Dark Chocolate Cocoa Powder (1 1/2 tablespoons)
Vanilla (1 teaspoon)
Ice to taste
Blueberry Smoothie
Blueberries (1 cup)
Banana (1 frozen)
Maple syrup (1 teaspoon)
Milk (1 cup)
Green rascal spinach or kale (2 scoops)
Toddler Popsicles
Frozen mangos
Ice
1-2 scoops of green rascal
No time for smoothies or popsicles? Just mix 1-2 scoops of Green Rascal spinach or kale with 8oz of Milk, OJ, or any other beverage.
Use code greenrascal10 for a free frother with any purchase. 🙌
Green Rascal has you covered for healthy snacks and meal time, and günamüna is here for the night shift. Our uniquely designed pajamas and sleep bags keep your babies cozy all night long, even during diaper changes.