peskypippi.comBecause I have a lot to say…

Here’s a recipe (and a how-to video starring Pippi) for easy fruit-and-protein smoothies you can make for your kids. These make a great, healthy after-school snack.

Here’s what you need:

• Blender
• Milk (or flavored yogurt such as peach or raspberry…or orange sherbet is even yummier)
• Frozen berries (strawberries, blueberries)
• Protein powder (I selected whey-based protein powder that is pretty much flavorless)
• Banana (the browner, the better)

As you’ll see from the video, the kids love like tolerate these. The reception from my youngest was “huh.”

You see, I forgot that they prefer smoothies made with yogurt instead of milk. Or better yet, orange sherbet. But who wants to shoot another video? Not me.

Smooth move, Pippi…

Is that spinach in your smoothie, or are you happy to see me?

I wrote about the ease and nutrition of protein breakfast smoothies awhile back. Check that here. My newest ingredient? Spinach. Yeah, you heard me. They are officially renamed to Pippi’s Peppy Popeye Smoothies. These nutrition-packed suckers are perfect for when I am running late. Getting the kids out the door for school. And oops, I forgot one of my earrings. And my navy tights don’t match my black outfit. And where is my phone and where are my keys? Time to go. NOW.

But wait! Don’t forget to eat your salad for breakfast! (Seriously, you can’t even taste it. It just looks a teensy bit gaggy.) You, too, can buzz up the smoothie while yelling “Hurry! Time to go! Finish your breakfast! Brush your teeth! Shoes on! Jackets! Backpacks!”

Just talk to my friend Sara, who also sneaks in vegetables. She’s on Twitter @Sar_Wah and her blog is http://www.tisthelife.com/. She’s a super healthy Mum who tries to eat right and have a fulfilling life. Go Sara!

Pippi’s Peppy Popeye Smoothies

• a blender
• a cup or so of nonfat milk
• a banana
• big scoop or 2 Tbs. protein powder (preferably plain)
• handful of frozen blueberries
• two ginormous handfuls of washed, fresh spinach

Check out the jumbo bag of spinach. I don’t know whether to eat it. Or sleep on it.

Breakfast is important. Partake! And maybe, with the added spinach, you can kick some ass today.