Easy Strawberry Banana Yogurt Smoothie

I am always on the lookout for easy solutions to tough problems.  This recipe helped to solve 2 problems in one. 

A few days ago, Mason was having a hard day.  I decided to get a smoothie while out.  For some reason, this sent Mason over the top and he cried until we got home and I was able to give him some of the smoothie in a cup.  He was perfectly happy and content for the rest of the night until he went to bed.  Huh?, that was weird I thought.

The other issue is that Mason is now realizing there is juice as an option for a drink.  Typically, Mason only gets one 8 oz cup filled with half to three quarters water and the rest 100% fruit or vegetable juice.  He is now asking for more juice.  Enter the smoothie.

Giving Mason this smoothie treat not only gives him some variety, but is a good choice for him.  It makes him happy to have something different too.  It also took him a while to drink it, so he didn't ask for juice that day either.  There is no added sugar in the smoothie recipe, just the sweetness from the fruit.

I found this recipe on ehow, but there are tones of them out there, each with their own little twist.

Ingredients

1 banana, peeled and cut into pieces
5 medium strawberries, tops removed, washed and cut into pieces
1/4 cup orange juice
1 handful of ice cubes
1 6oz container of vanilla yogurt (strawberry or banana yogurt would also work)

Directions

1. Add all ingredients to the blender.
2. Put the lid on the blender and plug it into an electrical outlet.
3. Pulsate the blender on the ice crush setting of the blender, until you thoroughly combine the ingredients for your strawberry banana yogurt smoothie.
4. Pour the strawberry banana yogurt smoothie into cup and enjoy!

I also like that as an alternative treat to the everyday.  I also like that Mason will drink this on days were he isn't eating much.  This was he is at least getting fruit and yogurt, which are both great for him!