I remember the days when my youngest was a newborn and I had visions of a regular regime that included snack times with the healthiest of homemade items. Several years have passed and another child has been added to the anarchy of our home. This season runs less on policy, and each day seems to turn into “the day of a thousand snacks.”
Despite me giving in to their demands at off times, I still try my best to push a variety of options in hopes of at least maintaining a well-balanced diet. Of course, there are moments when reaching for the reliable munchies is all I can muster, and the cheese-its rain upon us. But there are also moments when I feel inspired to add more variety. If your snack roster has also gone stale, try these local-mom-sourced favorites to remix your snack game!
Make a Toast
Toast is not only endlessly customizable but can be pretty healthy too. And you don’t need to stick with plain old bread for this scheme to keep delivering, although plain old bread is always welcome. Mix and match from the table below for ideas. Including something from each column will bring you closer to making the snack a “mini meal” which helps sustain kiddos for a longer period of time.
Bust Out the ToolBox
Consider using these adorable food picks for small foods like fruit, veggies, and cubed cheese. Your kiddo will love dining with their new, tiny friend.
Kebob skewers are a fun way to bring life back into the basics. Skewer whatever you like: meats, cheeses, fruits, and/or veggies. Kids will love munching their way closer to something they can jab their sibling with.
Take out your muffin pan and fill it with small amounts of a variety of things. Kids love the presentation, and it may even get some picky eaters to venture out of their comfort zone.
If you’re not short on time, use cookies cutters to create fun shapes. It’s amazing how well this trick works for my toddler and veggies. If the ones you have on hand are too large, these minis have served us well.
Bulk Recipe Round-Up
Sneaky Green Muffins
Follow the instructions for a batch of muffins on Kodiak Cake’s Protein Packed Pancake Mix, and also add 1 cup of blended spinach to the batter prior to baking.
Oat Bites
Not just for nursing mamas. Mix up 1 cup oats, ½ cup nut butter, ½ c flax seeds, 1/3 cup honey, and, if you’d like, a small handful of other toppings like raisins, chia seeds, coconut flakes, dried fruit, finely chopped nuts, or mini chocolate chips. Roll into one-inch bites and you’re done! These are best stored in the fridge if they make it that far.
Stuffed Dates
De-pit any number of Medjool dates and stuff with your favorite nut butter. Leave plain, or top with chia seeds or finely chopped nuts. You can eat these straight away or store them in the refrigerator. They honestly taste like mini candy bars.
Fried Cheerios
Last but not least, I felt compelled to share a simple, beloved snack from my childhood. It may not be the healthiest item on this list, but it is sure to steal hearts. Heat a tablespoon of butter in a frying pan and add a cup of Honey Nut Cheerios. Stir and shuffle fairly constantly until they are a nice golden brown; typically around three minutes. Cool on a paper towel and wonder how you went this long without these.
