Monday, February 4, 2013

Quick and Healthy Snacks for Preschoolers

Little J is somewhat of a challenge when it comes to eating 'meals'. He is not very interested in eating, sometimes I wonder if he would eat at all if not for me! This post is as much for me, as for you. I've gathered a few snack ideas that are quick and easy. Yogurt and applesauce are my old standbys, but he's been refusing me by saying, "I had that already." So I've attempted to mix it up a bit.


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1. English muffin pizza. We used to make these as kids, and I still love them. J seems more interested in eating things that he can help me make. So I'm hopefully on this one! If all else fails, Mayhem would be happy to help me make and eat these. I use whole wheat English Muffins, marinara sauce, and shredded mozzarella.

2. Frozen fruit bars. The fact that liquids freeze in the freezer makes this treat fascinating to the boys. Mix up the 100% juice and some fruit, toss it in the freezer. The next day, wow! homemade frozen fruit bars.
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3. Smoothies. We use ice, milk, yogurt and fruit. Blenders are loud, and boys LOVE loud!

4. Whole grain waffles. Peanut butter is the favorite topping at our house.

5. Dips. Mayhem loves to dip. Rather than ranch dressing, I'm trying to steer him towards hummus and veggies. J prefers strawberries with yogurt dip.

And, in the 'candy jar' I'm using raw almonds. This goes without saying, but be sure your little ones can handle an almond before you allow this. But I'm happy to have us all eating those instead of M&Ms!
What healthy snacks do you serve at your house?
Posted by at 5:44 AM
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9 comments:

  1. JennyFebruary 4, 2013 at 6:00 AM

    I heart mini pizzas! If you have any pulverized veggies around, you may be able to mix it in with the pizza sauce to "sneak" some veggies into the dish. Grapes are also easy, and cold, easy for the kids to eat. My go-to is smoothies. While they think they're getting a strawberry ice-cream treat, I can bulk them up on protein using greek yogurt, as well as sneaking in other fruits they usually won't eat if given to them in a bowl.

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  2. emilyFebruary 4, 2013 at 6:50 AM

    You could also make the mini pizzas fun using dough (from Trader Joes) and cutting them into shapes using cookie cutters. Did this and James actually ate the dinosaur-shaped pizza. Also, check out www.weelicious.com - a great blog for healthy recipes for the kiddos!

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  3. KeriFebruary 4, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    good suggestions! :)

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  4. KeriFebruary 4, 2013 at 7:06 AM

    Thanks! Great idea using cookie cutters for pizza dough!

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  5. SnyMed (@SnyMed)February 4, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    I like your suggestions for quick and healthy preschooler snacks! We have 5 kids, 7 years and under, and are always looking for foods that are both fast and nutritious!

    Jenna Em
    www.snymed.blogspot.ca

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  6. KeriFebruary 4, 2013 at 7:35 AM

    Thanks for reading!

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  7. JenniferFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    We love pizza muffins and smoothies. I love finding ideas for healthy snacks for the little ones.

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  8. KeriFebruary 4, 2013 at 12:40 PM

    Thanks, Jennifer!

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  9. heidibirdFebruary 19, 2013 at 5:35 AM

    We don't do almonds but my little one loves cashews!

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