This Brain Boosting Smoothie features ingredients that can help kids recharge and reenergize after a long day at school. It’s an easy after school snack that conveniently packs in an extra serving of fruits and vegetables.
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Functional After School Snacks
My kids come home from school ravenous and ready to eat anything they can get their hands on. I try and encourage well balanced snacks that will keep them full until dinner time. This is especially true on days they have sports practice or after school activities.
Similar to the formula I shared in this Fast & Filling Mediterranean Diet Snacks post, creating a balanced snack means incorporating some protein + healthy fats + fiber. It’s also a great way to get in an extra serving of fruits and/or vegetables.
Brain Boosting Ingredients
Kids are constantly growing, developing and they need foods that will support that growth. This smoothie contains a few key ingredients that are geared towards helping brain growth, function and development on track. Perfect after a long day of learning at school!
Greek Yogurt
Not only does the creamy Greek Yogurt used in this after school snack provide a great texture for the smoothie, but the fat is important for brain health. The human brain is 60% fat and our nervous systems use fat to function properly.
Extra bonus – Greek Yogurt also provides a good amount of protein which is needed for tissue, cell and muscle building.
Omega 3’s (via flax seed)
Omega 3 fatty acids are vital to cognitive, brain and eye development, especially in toddlers. There is also research being done on the effects of Omega 3s and improved focus. ALA is an essential type of fatty acid that is found in plant foods like walnuts, chia seeds, hemp, and flax seed.
The flax in this smoothie provides a little Omega 3’s, as well as giving the smoothie a bit of a nutty flavor (very mild).
Nuts & Seeds
I added a few walnuts to this smoothie which can boost mood. It also provides some heart healthy fats and protein.
Check out more detail here – Why We’re Nuts about Walnuts
Berries
Berries not only add great color and flavor to this smoothie but they are a nutritional powerhouse! Full of antioxidants, fiber and brain boosting nutrients, the blueberries in this smoothie help make this a vital ingredient.
Leafy Greens
Greens are full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can improve brain health and function.
Getting kids to eat greens can be very challenging. We use Memore, a real foods based nutritional beverage powder that is created with ingredients that improve brain function. A single serving of Memore is equivalent to an entire serving of dark green leafy veggies, so it’s an important addition to this smoothie.
The standard serving size of Memore is typically 2 scoops but for the kids I typically only add 1 scoop per smoothie.
Discount Code – if you are interested in adding Memore into your daily routine, you can use the code The_Domestic_Dietitian at checkout for a great discount off your order.
Brain Boosting, After School Snack Smoothie
Brain Boosting Smoothie – Perfect After School Snack
Ingredients
- 1 cup 100% Orange Juice
- 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, plain
- 1/2 Frozen Banana
- 1 scoop Memore (see note below)
- 1 tbsp Flax Seed
- 1/2 cup Frozen Berries
- 2 tbsp Walnuts
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth. Pour into a glass and enjoy.
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