After removing the latest assortment of crackers, pumpkin seeds and raisins from the back seat of the car, the LH finally Lost The Plot. I had tried to keep up with the wayward snacks but after a busy few weeks had clearly fallen short. We now have a very strict no-food-in-the-car rule, which under NO circumstances can be broken. This has tested me enormously as the best solution to after-school whining is a healthy snack. There is a direct connection between good food and a good mood in our house!So, after a few days of car rides home from hell, I had to get a little creative. We had a no-food rule, but what about drinks? Surely a smoothie fell into the latter category? Since then I have been whizzing up smoothies and freezing them so I always have them handy. I have been popping them into the little square drink boxes (BPA-free) with a folding straw so they are totally leak-proof in the car. These also double as fabulous freezer blocks for lunch boxes that usually melt just in time.When it comes to smoothies, I have one major rule. Always add something to give it staying power. Without a dose of protein, fibre or good fat, the sugar from all the fruit will rush into the blood stream and trigger a crash just like any other sugary drink. Nut butter, plain Greek yoghurt or avocado are all great additions that help to provide sustained energy. It also helps to use milk as your mixer rather than fruit juice.If you like this idea then get creative and see what combinations work best for you based on your kids preferences. I have given you four ideas below to get you going. It’s working so well for us that I’ll keep it up, despite a sleepy confession from my eldest that Daddy broke all the rules over the weekend. Mr Burns I am onto you!Happy Healthy Kids Smoothies (each recipe makes two):Banana tips: Peel and break your bananas into inch-long chunks and then freeze in Ziplock bags. This takes the pressure off your blender! Your bananas need to be very ripe to make the smoothie sweet enough. If your bananas weren’t very ripe, or if your child has a super sweet tooth that will have to be reined in gradually, add a teaspoon of honey, agave, maple syrup or molasses.Name tips: Be creative. Kids love food or drinks with names that appeal to the characters they know or their fascination with all things disgusting. We call the green smoothie “green slime” in our house. If your house has been taken over by Pinkalicious, by all means name your pink smoothie after her.Staying power: Each of these smoothie recipes has at least one add-in to make it more robust. Good fats, protein or fibre all help to balance out blood sugar. They provide the carbs with “staying power” and result in better sustained energy … and mood.Method: Throw everything in and whizz it all up! Too thick? Add more milk or ice cubes. Too thin? Add more banana, other fruit or spinach.The Green One5 chunks frozen banana12 fl oz regular hemp milk1 c frozen peaches1 large handful spinach (staying power)1 tbs almond butter (staying power)The Purple One5 chunks frozen banana12 fl oz regular almond milk1 ½ c frozen blueberries2 tbs Linwoods ground seed mix (staying power)The Chocolate Strawberry One5 chunks frozen banana8 fresh or frozen strawberries12 fl oz almond milk1 tbs cocoa powder¼ ripe avocado (staying power)1 tsp honeyThe Pink One (banana free)10 fl oz vanilla hemp or vanilla almond milk1 c frozen strawberries½ c frozen raspberries½ c vanilla Greek yoghurt (organic dairy or soy)1 tbs almond or cashew butter (staying power)The advice given in this article is not intended to replace medical advice, but to complement it. Always consult your GP if you have any health concerns. Catherine Burns BA Hons, Dip ION is the managing director of Natural Ltd and a fully qualified nutritional therapist trained by the Institute for Optimum Nutrition in the UK. Please note that she is not a registered dietitian. For details, visit www.natural.bm or call 236-7511. Join Catherine on Facebook: www.facebook.com/nutrifitandnaturalnutritionbermuda