Sickle Cell tip: Healthy food, healthy blood

Article created based on presentation by: DiMitrius Wyant

Do you struggle to get your sickle cell child to eat healthy? Promoting an anti-inflammatory diet and strategically eating certain nutrients can be a huge factor in preventing sickle cell complications. But convincing a child to eat their veggies is easier said than done. Smoothies are a great way to “hide” unpalatable foods, such as greens and beets, and your child will have fun making them too! 

Smoothie making tips

• Older kids and adults can chop, prep and freeze fruits and veggies when you get home from the store so they are ready when it's time to make a smoothie.

  • Added bonus: When the fruits and veggies are frozen, you can skip adding ice to the smoothie. 

• You can use any greens you have on hand. For example: beet greens, spinach, kale, etc.

• Freezing beets gets rid of the "earth" flavor.

• Wondering about how much of everything to add to the smoothie? Just a little of each item:

  • Turmeric or ginger: 1 slice or 1 serving of powder.

  • Chlorophyll or other oils: 1 dropper (or whatever the regular dose is).

• The easiest way to clean the blender after making a smoothie is to put a little water and soap in the blender after rinsing away any smoothie residue and then run it for a few minutes before rinsing again.

• Encourage your child to experiment with ingredients and flavors:

  • Include them when you shop for ingredients and make the smoothies.

  • Use these times as an opportunity to talk to them about different nutrients in each food item and how they benefit our bodies and help us be healthy. 

DiMitrius Wyant is a Sickle Cell Warrior and also a chef! Watch a demonstration of DiMitrius making a few of his smoothie recipes.

Recommended smoothie recipes: 

• Anemia fighting green smoothie, from He + She Eat Clean

• Pain relief smoothie, from Joy Bauer