We all have family that are not the biggest fans of greens, both kids and adults alike! Most of us aren’t getting enough greens as it is, so below are some tricks to add them into more common comfort foods. I will admit as an important note here that, especially for young ones, the best way to get them eating those greens is to eat them yourself. I also completely get that this can be hard after a long day when those cookies and/or instant meals are calling to you. Hopefully these quick recipes can help!
Ok, let’s dive in:
#1 Pancakes
Both pancakes and waffles can get a raise in their nutrition bar by simply adding in greens. And really, MOST baking recipes that call for milk (we use plant-based milks), you can blend in spinach and kale greens to add their nutrition without having to directly chew on these leaves. Check out our Good Morning Pancakes recipe to start your day off happy & healthy.
#2 All the Good Stuff Avocado Dip
This, my friends, is an absolute go-to in our household. With must-have omegas, iron, vitamin c (needed to absorb the iron!), and rich with vitamins and fiber, this dip is not only tasty, but a complete healthy meal (especially for little ones!). Here’s what we mix together:
- 1 large avocados or 2 small/medium
- 1 tbsp hemp seeds
- 1 tsp dulse flakes (provides iodine)
- 1/2 cup chopped kale & spinach & lettuce (adjust for more as your little one grows accustom to leafy greens)
- 1 garlic clove minced (not much is needed as it is strong raw!)
- 1/4 cup your favorite kraut
We typically eat our avo dip with rice crackers, mary’s crackers, or as a topping on tacos!
Did you know? Avocados actually help regulate your blood sugar and reduce hunger! (That is, when they aren’t loaded with sodium in pre-made dips!).
#3 Smoothies (& Popsicles!)
Smoothies our one of our quickest and easiest ways to get fresh greens in our diets. Here’s our go-to recipe:
- 2 medium bananas (frozen or add a handful of ice to blender as well)
- 1 heaping cup fresh spinach &/or kale
- 1 tbsp barley grass juice powder
- 1/2 tsp spirulina powder
- 1 tbsp peanut or other nut butter
- 1 tbsp cacoa powder
- 1 cup plant-based milk
- For extra sweetness – add 1-2 pitted dates
Check out these trays for freezing any extra smoothie and enjoy popsicles later!
Toddler Popsicle Tray
Adult popsicle tray
#4 That Chopped Greens Trick
This trick can be done with most grains – rice, quinoa, millet, faro… and beyond! It’s super simple so listen up closely… chop up those greens and sprinkle them into your freshly cooked grain. That’s it, my work is done here.
No, but really. It is that simple. Especially if this is a regular occurrence since day 1 with your little eaters, they won’t know any difference. Once our rice has finished cooking, we simply add the finely chopped greens to them, place lid back over pot, and let them steam a couple minutes.
Every little bit of greens helps!
#5 Chickpea Frittata Veggie Bake
This recipe is on repeat in this household at least once a week. It is super flexible in the veggies you add to it, so you can adjust as different veggies become available in your garden. Vegan Richa’s Frittata is our inspiration – it is soooo good!
We hope you enjoy these recipes to add more greens into your household’s meals. Let us know which one is your favorite in the comments below!
