Fruit Soda Pop

Ok, ok. I know you're thinking that I said that this blog was supposed to be for healthy foods. The words soda and pop don't necessarily conjure up images of healthful eating, so try to think of this as a treat. I don't drink pop. Well, I shouldn't say that. I try to limit my pop consumption greatly. I have a pop maybe every month or so. I'm pregnant, though, and sometimes I really just crave a carbonated beverage. I found this alternative to work really well. The only problem is not drinking too much of it, because it is really high in calories! Again: it's a treat!

WIC food:
12 oz juice concentrate in your favorite flavor, thawed (These are on checks for pregnant and breastfeeding women only, from what I understand.)

Non-WIC food:
1 liter of club soda

Mix the two ingredients in a pitcher, stir and serve over ice. I think the drink is delicious with grape concentrate. If you don't have concentrate on hand, in a pinch you can just add a splash of club soda to a glass of juice and get a similar effect.

Green Smoothie

Most kids don't necessarily like to eat greens, but those leafy vegetables provide a lot of nutrients that kids need. Consider using a produce check to compile the ingredients needed for a yummy green smoothie. While kale is a green that doesn't alter the sweet flavors of the other ingredients listed, you can try other greens as you wish, too. Did you think that dairy was the only way to get calcium? Nope! Greens, especially kale, contain high amounts of calcium, and this calcium is actually absorbed better than dairy forms of calcium. Yep, it's true. (Just don't let the dairy industry know. He he.)

WIC items:
Kale or other preferred green -- two to three leaves, or as much as you can sneak in without your little one noticing!
A handful of frozen fruit -- strawberries work well
*The above items can be purchased with a produce check
1 - 2 cups orange juice -- you can play around with flavors and try another juice, too. I just happen to prefer orange.

Non-WIC items:
NONE! SCORE! The federal gov't has completely paid for your green smoothie. Aren't you appreciative? Thank you, Uncle Sam!

Blend all items together in a blender until everything is mixed nicely.

Want more nutrients? Add more stuff!! Consider adding the following ingredients to boost up the nutrition:
Ground flaxseed -- Omega-3 fatty acids and fiber
Real molasses -- more calcium
Cod liver oil -- Really? YES! That stuff does great things for your body.
Yogurt -- If you insist on adding a dairy product for increased calcium, I guess I'll let ya!

What do you like to add to your green smoothies?

Recipe idea from Millsap Farms.