Valentine Berry Smoothie----the perfect way to start your kids day

To me, sending my kids off to school nourished is a must. Especially on Valentine's Day when I know my kids are going to be bombarded with well meaning parents and teachers expressing love with sugary treats. I find, if my kids are well nourished even if they have treat at school they are less likely to over indulge. This bright red berry smoothie is the perfect start on valentine’s morning.

Ingredients 

1 cup of milk of choice (almond, soy, rice, coconut, hemp)
1/2 plain yogurt

1 small ripe banana

1 1/4 cups mixed frozen berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)

1 scoop of protein powder
1 tablespoon flax seeds



Directions 

1. Gather all your ingredients.
2. Add the milk, frozen fruit, banana, protein powder, yogurt and flax seeds to you blender.
3. Blend until smooth. Thickness tastes vary. I like my smoothies thick, my kids likes them thin.
4. Add more milk if the blend is too stiff. Add more fruit if it is too thin.
5. Serve in smoothie glasses, garnish with a fresh strawberry and a fun swirly straw if you have one

Why add flax seeds? 

Flaxseeds are a powerful source of fiber, protein, magnesium, iron, and potassium: and Omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect kids brains and the heart. Flax also contains substances called lignins, which are an excellent source of fiber to keep kids regular and happy!

Quick Power Pancakes

These pancakes are great to make as a special weekend breakfast, but without all the work of most pancakes from scratch! With only six ingredients, these aren't hard to throw together for a yummy meal. With warm berries on top, they don't even need syrup to taste sweet and delicious!





Ingredients
2 cups low fat cottage cheese
2 eggs
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup oat flour
1 1/2 tablespoon oil of choice
2 tablespoons maple syrup
1/2 cups berries of choice

Preparation

1. Mix the cottage cheese in a blender until smooth. Combine all ingredients except fruit in a bowl, add the cottage cheese, and mix until blended.
2. Cook on a nonstick griddle over medium heat until browned on both sides, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, heat the fruit in a saucepan with a little water or juice until melted. Heat for 2 minutes. Pour over hot pancakes to serve.