Green Smoothies, My Way

We all know leafy greens are a fantastic, low-calorie source of vitamins and minerals (right?), but aside from salads with meals and greens tucked into soups and casseroles, I sometimes struggle to come up with ways to get the little leafies into my life.  More significantly, it's very tough to get leafy greens into my kids.  My 2-year old will occasionally snack on lettuce, but my 1-year old with 3 1/2 teeth?  Not a chance.

Now, I am  not too worried about my kids missing out on nutrients; we eat plenty of liver, pastured meats, broth, and raw milk, which are probably more digestible vitamin sources than salad for the kids anyway.  But I do want them to develop a liking for the taste of vegetables, so that they won't shy away from them as they grow up.

The solution?  Green smoothies that my kids love, and that I'm wild about them drinking!  Because I'm a strong believer in traditional diets and believe that my kiddos really benefit from fermented dairy (and proper animal products, in general), my green smoothie differs considerably from the vegan variety dished up by Green Smoothie Girl and others.  You may notice that the greens are steamed (usually) so we're not taking in tons of oxalic acid for breakfast.  Also, we don't skimp on the fat - it carries us through the morning with full, satisfied tummies!

Ingredients:
2 cups spinach/kale/whatever green is hanging out in the garden, fridge, or freezer
1-2 T coconut oil, melted
1 cup frozen berries
1 banana (or something sweet - sometimes I'll toss in some home-canned fruit instead)
1 cup homemade yogurt
1-2 tsp ground flax seed (optional)
1 cup raw milk (approximately.  Liquid should cover the solid ingredients to ensure successful blending)

Directions:
Steam them greens (I often toss the coconut oil in a pan to melt it, and add the greens to it.  Works great, especially if you add it at the end, while the blender is on, so the coconut oil doesn't clump up from the cold ingredients).
Blend.
Taste.
Dream about how nice it would be to have a Vitamix so I don't have so many kale clumps.  Enjoy!

Note: This recipe makes a HUGE smoothie (I usually share half with the kiddos and drink the rest throughout the morning.  It is about 4 servings.

Note #2: Don't you love the stainless steel straw?  Does anybody know of a place I can get more online?  I love supporting my local adorable kitchen supply store and all, but shopping in a cute cart-less store with toddlers, well, that's another story!

For another easy, nourishing breakfast idea, visit my Berry Oatmeal inspiration!

Linked at Monday Mania at The Healthy Home Economist and at Tuesday Twister at GNOWFGLINS