4 Healthy Juices That Toddlers Will Love

To juice or not to juice. That is the question.

Today it’s known that many “juices” that claim to be natural really aren’t, and they’re pumping so much sugar into these “healthy drinks” that really, it’s just best to give them water. And water you should.

But, I’ve been doing a lot of research for my job (and as a mom) and I’ve found that not ALL juices are bad – in fact JUICING in itself is actually incredibly healthy for you, and the closer to just eating a real orange you can get, the better. While making your own is always fun (and not as much work as you may think!) Some on-the-go drinks are really GOOD to grab on the way as well. 

Now, let’s clarify, juicing and a juice CLENSE are different. Children shouldn’t be forced and limited to just juice. These are my top picks for fresh, real juices (mother approved, toddler approved):

1. Naked

Naked just came out with a new line of goodies and I’m really effin excited about them! My favorite cold pressed juice to grab on the go (or make at home) is Beet, Apple, Carrot, Lemon and Ginger. Until now, no one was making anything with beets unless it was a local NYC cold press juicery. Why is this exciting? Because I travel a lot, and I have a lot of friends outside of NYC that can now grab a delicious fresh drink in their stores as well. Nothing makes me happier than knowing I can actually grab something healthy on the road.

Another great one? Kale Blazer. This. Is. Life. Changing. This one is actually Maximo’s favorite and it’s PACKED with greens – PACKED! This is the best thing a mom can wish for when grabbing a juice on the go. Another bonus? Naked marks it right on the front how many grams of sugar are in the drink – but they are natural sugars from the fruit (beets are high in sugar FYI) and there are not added.

[tweet_box]if you can’t eat ’em, juice ’em! –  with @nakedjuice and @citymomsecrets[/tweet_box]

2. VROU

This one I have to give props to my girl Randi Zinn. Now, if you know Randi, you know that everything she lives breathes and promotes is good for your soul. The other day we were at Soul Cycle together and Varou was passing out their drinks for a post-workout cool-off. I immediately fell in love because (1) zero calories and packed with nutrients (2) it’s all natural and fresh and (3) they’re so delicious. With flavors like Cucumber+Lime and Lemon+Ginger, these are tops on moms list, but Max loves to sip them on hot days as well. 

3. Super Nutrition Shakes

Ok, so like any toddler, Maximo can be an extremely picky eater. In fact, some days he doesn’t want to eat at all – he’d rather DRINK his meals. So, being a mom, I’ve had to adapt. At home, we just make delicious smoothies and juices (see below!), but on the go, I was concerned – how would they hold up? Thankfully some brands out there are one step ahead and make nutritional shakes for kids, like Happy Family and Sneakz Organic. These super drinks are full of veggies, nutrients and organic (and they come in flavors like chocolate so toddlers think it’s a treat!) so Max sucks them right down. I like to stock up on these to have when I need to grab one on-the-go. 

4. Make Your Own – Cooks Power Blender

I know it’s impossible to make your own smoothies and juices everyday, but if you make it convenient and accessible for you to make them, you’ll do it more. Sort of like that “if you build it they will come” philosophy that Kevin Costner told us about a few years ago. So – set yourself up for success.

Step 1 – get a quick, easy blender. I try to keep things small and compact in this NYC apartment, so I love the new Cooks Power Blender from the JCP Home Collection. Max loves it too – he can push it down and watch it swirl and make noise on his own.

Step 2 – surround yourself with fresh fruit and veggies. When you shop in store or online, go directly to the fresh produce and pick up everything that’s in season or on sale. Remember, berries and fruit freeze well! So even if you don’t use it all – freeze! Bananas make a great staple ingredient in all drinks as well, and ALWAYS grab something green to blend in. Examples: Strawberry, banana and spinach. Blueberry, melon, pineapple, carrot and ginger. (pictured above: Banana, milk, Nutella). Get creative – see what you like/ don’t like and have fun with it.

{Giveaway}

Just in time for bikini season, I want you to enjoy juices with your kids as much as I do. So, I am giving away one of these fantastic little blenders AND a five (5) of the new Naked Juices (so you can try one of each!) AND even five (5) coupons for a free Earthbound farms organic mix – to get those greens in there! No excuses! 

Cooks Blender + Naked + Earthbound Farms Giveaway