Gluten Free Fruit Smoothies For Kids ROCK!

Most kids love smoothies - And most adults don't mind them either.

Because nothing soothes and is naturally sweet like a frozen fruit smoothie.

But smoothies give you the opportunity to give your R.O.C.K. Stars something way more nutritious and healing than the average one you can buy at a store.

How much fruit does your child need?

The human body needs at least 2-4 servings of fruit a day along with the other building blocks that make up a nutritious diet. You can freeze many fruits like blueberries and ripe bananas which make them perfect for smoothie making:-)

It's nuts but true...

We also need nuts; although it was thought they were too high in fat for years. Today, research tells us differently. Nuts are a powerhouse of of good nutrition, packed with protein, fiber, monounsaturated fats, vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. And they help reduce the risks of heart disease and diabetes and help control weight. Walnuts are loaded with omega3 fatty acids like salmon is which are excellent for our bodies.

Those who have gluten intolerances and especially Celiac Disease can be deficient in:

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  Folic Acid
• 
  
  Iron
• 
  
  Vitamin A
• 
  
  Vitamin D
• 
  
  Vitamin E
• 
  
  Vitamin K
• 
  
  Zinc

So it is of utmost importance that our R.O.C.K. Stars get at least 1.5 ounces every day of heart healthy nuts like walnuts, peanuts, almonds, pecans, hazelnuts and pistachios.

What about yogurt?

If you don't have an issue in digesting yogurt, it can be a very healing ingredient in the intestinal tract. Scientists have studied this fact since 1907 and the addition of probiotics in yogurts double those healing properties in soothing irritable bowels. But not all yogurt is Gluten free unfortunately.

What does paying a premium for added probiotics do?

Health Benefits of Probiotics 

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  Studies have found that probiotics may improve nutrient bioavailability, for B vitamins, calcium, iron, zinc, copper, magnesium and phosphorus, among others.
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  Pediatric studies have found that certain strains (such as Lactobacillus GG, found in Culturelle capsules) may aid in significantly decreasing the rate of acute diarrhea and rotavirus shedding. Parents also reported a 25% decrease in diaper rash among babies drinking formula containing probiotics.
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  Probiotics and active bacteria culture may improve lactose intolerance. The bacterial strain commonly used in yogurt can produce lactase enzymes. Therefore, people with lactose intolerance and children suffering from intestinal infection can usually tolerate yogurt with an active culture.
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  Some studies have shown that by regulating intestinal transit time, probiotics improve constipation.
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  Other studies have shown that probiotics, especially acidophilus, promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the colon and reduce the conversion of bile into carcinogens (cancer-causing substances).
• 
  
  Some studies have found that probiotics may enhance immunity by regulating lymphocytes and antibodies

We buy Stonyfield Organic Vanilla Yogurt with added probiotics which can be found in Harris Teeter and other grocery stores. I usually add lemon juice, vanilla extract or orange juice to the yogurt to flavor them slightly and add extra yumminess for my Celiac child.


 Smoothies can pack ALL that nutrition into one single snack or meal!
Makes me want to drink one right now. We also have a popsicle tray and if there is any excess when I make out smoothies, I make popsicles with it:-)
Here are some links for ideas that your R.O.C.K. Stars will love and can help you make...

Smoothie Recipe Ideas For Kids

GFCF High Protein Strawberry Smoothie

Orange Julius Inspired Protein Smoothie

Celiac Chicks Green Smoothie

Simple Smoothie Recipes For Kids

Fruit Smoothie recipes for Kids on About.com

Family Fun Smoothie Ideas

Gluten Free Pina Colada Protein Smoothie

Gluten Free Coconut Nut Fruit Smoothie