I've had the best time watching these peonies bloom all week, as though they knew we were celebrating Earth Day.

beautiful peony, by Beautiful Ingredient

There's lots we can do to show our appreciation for this planet we call home. Eating more plants is a win-win.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie, by Beautiful Ingredient

Favorite After-School Snack

When the kids come barreling through the door after school, they are more than ready for a snack, like now! I made a conscious decision this year to provide new options for what that snack is, and one in particular has become my kids' consistent favorite by leaps and bounds. In fact, it's expected every day now: smoothies. In particular lately: strawberry banana smoothies.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie with napkin from the Handmade Shop, by Beautiful Ingredient

Whole Food Smoothies

Whole food smoothies like this one have very simple ingredients - nothing that's been created in a lab to be packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients and to also be really delicious. They just simply are that way. That doesn't seem so simple! How can that be? And yet they are.

They're an easy way for kids (and adults) to get greens in when they otherwise wouldn't, like for breakfast or when they have a sweet tooth fixation. My youngest may not eat all the veggies offered at dinnertime, but I'm pretty much guaranteed that he will happily consume a whole food smoothie while he tackles his homework. Without hesitation.

Real Food Smoothie, by Beautiful Ingredient

This strawberry banana smoothie is packed with greens, yet also packed with strawberries - which are in turn packed with their own vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and flavanoids while providing sweetness and, thankfully, this smoothie's pink color. (It can be tough for kids to get past a muddy-green color.)

I work really hard to contain my enthusiasm (play it cool, Mom) when my kids return their empty glasses to the kitchen that were once filled with this kale-packed pink goodness. I'm not very good at it but I try.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie Recipe

Makes 4 small servings or 2 big.

Prep: About 5 minutes.

Ingredients

2 cups kale
2 cups homemade cashew milk or other milk
1 banana
2 cups frozen strawberries
2 medjool dates

Recipe Steps

1. In a blender, blend the kale with the milk until smooth.
2. Add the banana, strawberries, and dates and blend. If needed, add more milk or water to help it blend.
3. Serve and enjoy.

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