Frosty Pineapple Orange Smoothie

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.