Kids love smoothies, although it’s probably not a good idea to let them make their own, unless you enjoy cleaning pizza and chocolate-covered pretzels out of your blender. Done right, smoothies are a great way to smuggle vitamins, antioxidants and fiber into your kid’s diet; they’re also great tasting, colorful and fun to make. Here are a few ideas to get the little ones huddled around the kitchen in anticipation:

Buy a Heavy Duty Blender

There is certainly no shortage of blenders on the market. Because you’ll often be liquefying frozen fruit, the key to effective smoothie making is to start with a heavy-duty blender. The Ninja Master Prep Professional QB1004 for $60 has been tested by Consumer Report experts.

Ditch the Ice

Use frozen fruit instead of ice cubes; try cutting bananas into slices, or spreading out a layer of berries on a pan and freezing. This is also a great way to use fruit that’s slightly overripe.

Dose Them With Goodness

If a recipe calls for sugar, omit it. Instead, add yogurt, flax seeds, milk, wheat germ, or protein powder to the mix to slip in some added nutritional benefit. They’ll never know it.

The V Word

Vegetables. Don’t be afraid to use veggies in a smoothie. Carrots are sweet and add carotenes for good vision and heart health. Wheatgrass, spinach and kale contain antioxidants and vitamins. Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which protects against cancer.

Recipes To Get You Started

Here are a few basic smoothie recipes. Try them out. Then get creative by tailoring them to your kids’ tastes. Get them involved as well; it’s worth the shocked looks you’ll see on their faces when they discover they actually like wheatgrass.

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 2 cups orange juice
• 1 banana, frozen and cubed
• ½ cup yogurt or milk
• Add a tablespoon of honey for added sweetness

Orange Smoothie

• 1 peeled and sectioned orange
• ½ cup sliced peaches
• 1 cup orange yogurt
• You may substitute peaches with bananas

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie

• 1 banana, frozen in chunks
• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup frozen vanilla yogurt (or ice cream)

Tropical Smoothie

• 1 peeled and sectioned orange
• ½ cup lemon juice
• ¼ cup crushed pineapple with juice
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup yogurt

Green Smoothie For Kids

• 2 cups pineapple juice
• 2 cups frozen wild blueberries
• 1 banana
• 2 handfuls of spinach

Online Resources to Get You Started

1. Healthy Smoothies HQ is a great blog with a section dedicated to Kid Friendly Smoothies.
2. Babble.com has a wonderful section with 21 brain-boosting smoothie recipes for kids.
3. Best Smoothie Recipes is loaded with tips and recipes, including a green smoothie for kids

What are your favorite smoothie recipes?