Simple Strawberries and Cream Smoothie (sugar-free, vegan, with hidden greens!)

I came up with this smoothie one afternoon when my 4 year old requested a ‘strawberry milkshake’. I do buy him the odd milkshake when we’re out and about, although he more frequently enjoys a babyccino, which he shoots back like a yuppie drinking espresso (he has become quite the babyccino connoisseur and is unimpressed if there is no accompanying marshmallow or chocolate freckle). In relation to milkshakes however, I’m not a fan of the supermarket flavoured milk drinks, syrups and powders that have loads of added sugar, as well as various numbers, preservatives, and other ‘ingredients’ I can’t pronounce. That popular strawberry (and chocolate) flavoured milk powder, loved by Australian children, is basically ALL sugar – nearly 3 tsp of it per serve. That’s assuming one sticks to the suggested serving size.

But, negativity aside, I also love smoothies because they provide a wonderful opportunity to sneak in extra healthful ingredients, such as greek yoghurt, kefir, chia seeds, oats, spices (vanilla and cinnamon are lovely), LSA mix, coconut milk or coconut water, as well as vegetables – I frequently add spinach and avocado. Smoothies use the ‘whole’ food – rather than juice, which separates out the fibre. My kids enjoy green smoothies, unaware that they contain all sorts of green vegetables, but they particularly love colourful fruit smoothies.

Simple Strawberries and Cream Smoothie (Vegan and Sugar-free)

• 6 large strawberries or 8 small strawberries, stems removed
• 1 1/3 cups chilled almond milk, or milk of choice
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 tsp vanilla powder
• 1/2 avocado
• To serve: chia seeds and shredded coconut

1. Place all ingredients, except chia seeds and shredded coconut, in a high-speed blender and process until smooth.

2. Distribute between two glasses and serve topped with chia seeds and shredded coconut.

Simple Strawberries and Cream Smoothie (sugar-free and vegan)