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Tropical Popsicles: Lean, Green and Clean Eating


Smoothies are magical: just throw a bunch of healthy stuff in a blender and out comes something delicious. They are also super versatile. You can enjoy them for breakfast, post-workout, or for dessert; freeze them in popsicle molds for a healthful kiddie snack or as an energy-boosting treat during labor.
Make sure you use BPA-free pop molds
This is one of my favorite smoothie recipes. It gives a hint of warm weather and vacation, even in the dead of winter. It's flexible, too. Make it vegan or sweeter or greener - whatever works for you. 


It's also a great way to incorporate raw greens into your (or your finicky toddler's) diet. As you know, we're not fans of "deceiving" kids into eating healthy foods. But there is something to be said for simply incorporating veggies and fruits into all the foods you make, whether you have children or not. My son helps me put all these ingredients in the blender - yes, even the raw spinach; he knows it's in there. Would he eat a plate of spinach? Not a chance. Does he happily consume this? Damn skippy he does!

Ingredients:
  • 1c pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
  • 1c mango chunks (fresh or frozen)
  • 1c kefir (or yogurt or the plantmilk of your choice - coconut milk would be great)
  • 1c mango or pineapple juice (100% fruit juice) or coconut water
  • 2c (packed) baby spinach leaves 

Puree until all the ingredients are combined and the mixture is smooth. It yields about 32 ounces. We drank some for breakfast...

...and used some to make popsicles:

They made for an especially popular playdate treat!

You can also put some in a reusable, BPA-free, to-go cup and sip on this smoothie while you're at work. Much better than diving into those stale cookies from yesterday's board meeting!

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  1. Ruth LymanMarch 4, 2011 at 8:34 AM

    I cannot wait to try these! They sound amazing!

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  2. UnknownMarch 4, 2011 at 9:39 AM

    Yay, hope you and your girls like them!

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  3. Nancy CavillonesMarch 4, 2011 at 5:55 PM

    Definitely a playdate hit! I will have to assemble these ingredients on my next shopping trip.

    Also, "damn skippy"? You won't live that one down...

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  4. KassandraMarch 4, 2011 at 9:02 PM

    Ok, so I was finally able to go grocery shopping again, and I bought the stuff for the pink grapefruit and avocado salad. I made it yesterday, with a couple changes to the dressing (apple cider vinegar instead of the red wine vinegar and a little more honey than it called for) and well... I'm eating it again right now. :o) it was SO incredibly delicious! In fact, for once I'm thankful that my husband doesn't like avocados because now I don't have to share this salad with him. hehehe! ;o)

    This smoothie looks really good too! We're really into smoothies around here, usually have them for breakfast. I'll have to give this recipe a try. I especially like the idea of freezing them for an energy booster in labor. I'll have to tuck that one away for when my turn comes around again in September! Last time, my dr gave me a popsicle right towards the end of my labor, and even through the pain, all I could think of as I was eating it was how unhealthy it was! haha i think this will be a much better option. :o)

    anyways, love the blog. I'll definitely be sticking around to see what else you guys come up with, such fun stuff! :o)

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  5. UnknownMarch 5, 2011 at 10:00 AM

    Nancy - I could've said "darn tootin'!" ;-)

    Kassandra - I'm so happy you enjoyed the salad. My hubby doesn't like avocado, either, so i get to hog it all to myself, too! Glad you're enjoying the blog and learning some new strategies! BTW, if you're on Facebook, we have a page there - you can "like" us and you won't miss any new tips or recipes...

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  6. LaurenMarch 7, 2011 at 6:28 AM

    Much better than the cookies at the board meeting. I love this idea. I also love the photo of the blender in action, impressive Justine.

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  7. TammieMarch 7, 2011 at 2:31 PM

    Fun stuff! I tried something similar the other day only with water at the base and some kiwi and frozen peaches! Good Stuff! I like your description cause I also thought it tasted like a warm summer day!

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  8. UnknownMarch 7, 2011 at 4:40 PM

    Lauren - I'm definitely having fun taking the food porn pix :-)

    Tammie - I love putting peaches in smoothies, but never did kiwi - will have to try!

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  9. AnjalismilesOctober 27, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Sweet. Thanks!

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  10. fullbellysistersOctober 27, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    Thanks! I don't have one of those super fancy blenders. Mine's a Cuisinart blender (that has a nifty small food processor attachment - I never haul out the big food processor!): http://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-BFP-703CH-SmartPower-Blender-Processor/dp/B00004WKI7

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  11. AngieOctober 27, 2011 at 11:05 AM

    love this recipe! What kind of blender do you use?

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  12. CarolynNovember 10, 2011 at 11:40 AM

    These look great! Can't wait to make them!
     

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  13. fullbellysistersNovember 10, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    Hope you like them :-)

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  14. MirandaApril 20, 2012 at 8:51 PM

    i make this exact smoothie all of the time, with coconut milk! delicious! and my 6 year old LOVES it!

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  15. fullbellysistersApril 20, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    Awesome! It really is so kid-friendly :-)

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  16. AnnaSeptember 5, 2012 at 10:56 PM

    We love, love, love this! This smoothie is our new after a meal dessert! Thank you so much!!!!

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  17. fullbellysistersSeptember 5, 2012 at 11:12 PM

    So glad to hear it, thanks!

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