Spinach for Kids

Spinach is a super food—it is low in calories; rich in antioxidants; high in iron, calcium, and folic acid; and a good source of vitamins A, C, E, K, B2, and B6 as well as magnesium, potassium, copper, protein, phosphorus, zinc, niacin, selenium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

But if your kids are like most I know, getting them to eat spinach is practically impossible. Adding spinach to juices is a fun and easy solution to incorporating spinach into your child’s diet without altering the taste of their favorite drinks (although it does turn the juice green). Add a handful of fresh spinach leaves to orange juice, apple juice, or any other 100-percent fruit juice and blend it in the blender. You can even put the nutrient-rich juice into your toddler’s sippy cup.

Another alternative for your kids (or for you busy parents) is to make a spinach and fruit smoothie. You can use whatever fruit you want in the smoothie, but I typically use frozen strawberries and blueberries, part of a banana, spinach, and orange juice. The result is a perfectly healthy treat for your family!