Pick-Me-Up Popsicles

I have a very selective eater. She is sensitive to smells and textures, she wont have foods that touch each other and has anxiety trying new foods. It’s been a journey, but I’ve learned to let her find joy in food on her own terms and to get creative in how I present foods to her. Until this year smoothies were on her NO list. Until I turned one into a popsicle!I let her try it first before breaking the news that it was a smoothie in disguise. She absolutely LOVES these popsicles, so I can honestly say these are kid approved!

Aside from the simple joy of popsicle eating the best part about these smoothie pops is that they have mood enhancing effects! Both bananas and turmeric are linked to increasing serotonin and dopamine levels - the chemicals found in the brain that are linked to mood and produce feelings of happiness. While the scent and colour of oranges decreases stress and opens communication.

Sunshine Popsicles 

Ingredients:

2 ripe bananas

1½ cups orange juice

¾ cup unsweetened almond milk (or whatever milk)

¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

4-6 ice cubes ¼ teaspoon turmeric powder (optional)

Directions:

Blend it up. Pour it into popsicle molds. Freeze overnight. Enjoy!