Mealtime at our house is already pretty healthy, it’s time to tackle snacks! That means offering whole foods rather than packaged snacks.
A while ago I read about grazing trays for kids’ snacks. A healthy variety of snacks are left out and kids can munch when they feel like it.
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Healthy snacks for kids… grazing tray
We’ve been using a grazing tray for a while now and it’s fantastic! It solves two problems: I don’t have to hear “I’m hungry” a hundred times and there is always a healthy option available! I try to keep the flavors complimentary so I do one sweet tray and one savory tray, alternating what’s set out.
Sweet Grazing Tray
- Raisins
- Banana and Almond Butter Sandwiches
- Apple Slices
- Cashews
- Almond Butter
- Celery
Grazing Tray Tips
- Put it on ice. You can buy a party tray that holds ice (the kind that is meant to sit out for hours) or get creative with what you have.
- Prep some of the stuff ahead of time so it’s easy to fill.
- Set out plates for your kids to load up.
- Add foods that they already love, and foods that they might try. (A grazing tray takes the pressure off and they might try something they normally wouldn’t because no one is watching for their reaction.)
- Let the kids help prepare the snacks. Here are 10 easy snack ideas.
Savory Grazing Tray
- Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Green Onions
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Dates
- Bell Peppers
- Mushrooms
- Homemade Ranch
This is such a cool idea! It’s especially convenient since I have infant twins and can’t always tend to my three year old’s snack wishes every time. Thanks for the list of food ideas; I think I’ll do this later today 🙂
How did it work out Nina?
Pretty well! Although he gobbled everything up haha! But it definitely made him excited about snacks and I think he liked the presentation.
I love this idea – we have actually taken a shelf in our fridge and put our son’s name on it. That way he knows what he can and can’t have for a snack or a drink and since he is 4, he can help himself and feel like a “big boy”.
thanks!
Great idea Diana! Have a space in the fridge is awesome and encouraging independence is even more awesome!
This is our go to Friday night dinner when I am too tired to argue. We do fruit (melon, grapes, berries, whatever is in season), sticks of celery, carrot, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, etc. then another platter with some cheese, crackers, some meat for my youngest who is a total carnivore. Then some dip (usually eggplant, capsicum or pesto) and something fun like popcorn. My kids eat heaps without a complaint and it’s stress free
Nowadays life has become hectic and there is hardly time enough even for essential tasks like eating well-cooked meals and snacks. This is the reason that most people are opting for ready to eat food and snack items. However, most of these ready to eat items available in the market need not necessarily be healthy. In fact when it comes to snacks, most of the ready to eat stuff available in the market is loaded with cholesterol and calories.
Very informative! Thanks a lot!
Akila