This post was sponsored on behalf of Dairy MAX via One2One Network. All opinions stated are my own.
Holy cow! Can you believe it’s almost time for back-to-school? Get the school year off to a smart start by putting the “moo” in smoothie!
I’m not exactly a morning person, but I am a breakfast person. It might be my favorite meal. I try not to eat too close to when I go to bed, so when I wake up in the morning I’m hungry. In fact my typical routine is to throw on some comfy pants and a t-shirt, come downstairs, and eat breakfast. It’s usually the first thing I do in the morning.
During the school year the kids wake up in shifts. Youngest Twin and I are up first at 5am. I mentioned that I’m not really a morning person, right? Smoothies are a great breakfast because even in my sleepy stupor that early in the morning I can toss everything into the blender and have breakfast ready in just a few minutes.
In fact, smoothies are a nutrient-rich option that can include dairy, fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, all blended in one yummy glass. So whether it’s grab-and-go in a rush out the door or or gulped down for an after-school snack, smoothies give Moms and kids a satisfying boost of nutrition to power through the day AND homework. Though I know sometimes it’s necessary,y I think I get as excited about homework as my kids.
To really wake me up in the morning I love a smoothie that has some citrus in it along with my dairy. This Frosty Pineapple Orange Smoothie features orange juice, pineapple chunks, and fat free vanilla yogurt.
As a Mom with 3 growing boys I want foods that are healthy and budget friendly. When you buy cow’s milk by the gallon, each glass costs only about a quarter. Plus with cow’s milk there are 3 simple ingredients so I know what my kids are drinking: milk, vitamin A and vitamin D.
Of course nutrition isn’t just counting calories, it’s about making each calorie count. And dairy does it! Dairy foods pack a powerful nutrient punch with nine (9) essential nutrients, making them a healthy and delicious choice. It’s important for me and my kids that we all get enough protein in a day. At 8 grams of protein per glass, you would have to drink 8 cups of almond milk to match the protein in just 1 cup of cow’s milk.
Smoothies made with milk are quick, simple, nutrient-rich, protein-packed, and portable—for even the pickiest of eaters in your house. Start with milk or yogurt and then create your ideal smoothie using fruits, vegetables, natural sweeteners, spices, and/or nut butters. So many options!
For important nutritional info on dairy, crafts and games for kids, recipes, and farm family stories, visit Dairy Discovery Zone.
Frosty Pineapple Orange Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups orange juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple chunks, drained (optional, freeze these before making your smoothie)
- 1 1/4 cups fat-free vanilla yogurt
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in blender. Blend until frothy.
The Dairy Discovery Zone is brought to you by Dairy MAX, a non-profit affiliate of the National Dairy Council, funded by dairy farming families across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and southwest Kansas.
Maxine says
This sounds really yummy and I can’t wait to try it! It looks like it makes a big glass – about how much does it make?
Julie says
It makes about 24 ounces, good for a couple glasses!