Do you ever feel like you’re constantly feeding your toddler and somehow never have time to eat yourself? Or you end up eating food you prepared for the kids, but they didn't eat it? Why not make something you would enjoy, whether they eat it or not. Try one of these easy toddler-approved snacks that are great for adults too!
Avocado Toast – Toast whole grain bread and slather with butter or coconut oil. Spread with ¼ of an avocado and top, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a squeeze of lemon and some red pepper flakes if you’re feeling fancy.
Banana with Almond Butter – Slice a banana into rounds, and top each piece with a smear of almond or other nut butter. Toddlers love “sprinkles” -- so why not add some hemp seeds or chia seeds for extra nutrition.
Yogurt and Berries – Greek yogurt is a great source of protein. Choose plain and add a little maple syrup for sweetness (leave plain for babies under 1). Top with halved blueberries and a sprinkle of ground flaxseed. Try cottage cheese in place of yogurt
Cheese and Fruit – Keep it simple with string cheese and a serving of fruit. Oranges, peaches, and berries are all great options. For young children raw apples can be a choking hazard, so try this modification. Sauté the sliced apples in coconut oil with a little cinnamon, or just chop it up and microwave with a little water until soft.
Hummus and Pita – Whole grain pita triangles are great for toddlers and moms! Dip them in hummus for protein, and add carrot sticks for fiber and nutrition. Cook or shred carrots for young toddlers.
Smoothie – Options are unlimited with smoothies. Try a pumpkin spice smoothie: Frozen banana, milk, a scoop of canned pumpkin and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice.
Healthy Muffins – These Superhero Muffins on the "Run Fast. Eat Slow." blog are packed with two veggies, filling almond flour, and a modest amount of natural sweetener. If you have young toddlers, leave out the the walnuts or chop them very fine.
The toddler years are full of exploring and discovery. Offering a variety of foods from different food groups, with different tastes, textures, and colors will help your children learn and expand their world of food and nutrition.
