Summer officially starts next week but it’s been hot here in the midwest for almost a month. So, we’ve already been diving into summer traditions. Softball, swimming, bike riding, and yep, ice-cream. We are enjoying summer.
A few weeks ago when it was 90° and smothering humidity my girls were laying on a blanket under the shade tree when one of them made the observation that it would be really great if their mom would bring them snacks. The other one added it would be even better if that snack were a milkshake. Naturally, right?! I mean hot summer days, kids and ice-cream go together like peanut butter and jelly.
So I obliged. But I used a little mom magic and trickery to whip this into something we both love. Ice-cream for the kids, veggies and fruit to make me feel like a great mom. Don’t get me wrong. I am not opposed to regular old fashioned milkshakes or straight up ice cream every now and then. In fact, I’m all for it. Kids need to be kids. Heck, adults should enjoy ice cream sometimes. While I am 100% for health I’m also for balance and living life.
I wanted to share this though. Because while my kids readily belly up for veggies I know not everyone’s kids do. This is a great yet sneaky way to treat your kid but also yourself by getting in veggies without a single cross word, begging or bribing.
Healthy Berry Mock-Shake
(recipe makes 2)
- 1 Full scoop Vanilla Ice-cream
- 1 large handful fresh spinach
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
Blend all ingredients in blender until spinach is undetectable and berries are well blended.
When I took these shakes out to my girls they did look at them for a second and question my honesty, “are these really milkshakes?” Since they do include ice-cream I felt confident in my “yes, they are!” Adding that I just made them berry flavor this time. Total truth. They proceeded to suck them down without their mouths leaving the straws, except to prevent “brain freeze.” BAM! That is what I call a #momwin.
Smoothies are often a go to at our house on a busy day, but they never include a scoop of ice-cream. These healthy berry mock-shakes are different, in that they do taste like a milkshake and are a healthy meets treat recipe. Change them up add your own twist and be sure to share with me so our family can give it a whirl!
Blessings,
Rita
