Helping Children Take Supplements / Banana Blueberry Spinach Strawberry Smoothie

Recently, one of my sons and I found out that he needs a bit more magnesium in his diet (It has calming effects, so I was on-board!). 

He is seven and doesn't swallow pills yet, so the best way for me to administer his vitamins/supplements is through food, as in crushed up or mixed in. I've done this for years with both of my sons' probiotic powder. Neither of them eat dairy so yogurt isn't an option, but probiotics are key to the health of their gut and in-turn immune system. The probiotic powder is easy enough to toss atop apple sauce as it is neutral in taste. The magnesium, not the case. 

So I and my son(...he now takes an active role in his diet as we've had many, many conversations about healthy food and how to make good choices for our bodies) have decided that smoothies are the way to go for helping him ingest his magnesium supplement. 

I usually toss together a smoothie without following a recipe, but tonight's smoothie was particularly good, so I thought I'd share. No qualms about following it to a tee. You control this recipe, the recipe doesn't control you! The probiotic powder and seeds are optional, but I love adding these in smoothies since it's such an easy way to boost the nutritional value and add omega-3s. I left out the magnesium supplement in the ingredient list, but feel free to toss in any supplements you or your loved-one(s) may need.

Banana Blueberry Spinach Strawberry Smoothie

4 strawberries, frozen
1/8 c blueberries, frozen
1/2 banana, frozen
1 handful fresh, baby spinach
1 tsp probiotic powder
1 tsp flax seed
1 tsp chia seed
3 brazil nuts
1-2 tsp pure maple syrup
1 pinch of cinnamon
filtered water to reach desired consistency (I usually cover 3/4 of the contents in the blender for a creamy consistency).


Mix well in blender (preferably a Vitamix) until silky smooth. Enjoy!