Today at my MOMS Club meeting, we had a speaker come to talk to us about nutrition and snacks for kids. A couple months ago, all of this would have been new information to me. But after a couple months of eating well, I was proud and happy that I knew a lot of the information he provided. Nonetheless, he gave us some great ideas for snacks for kids (or adults), making healthier choices and some substitutions you can use in your cooking.
Here is a list of some healthy snacks we were given for you and your kiddos.
- Yogurt (but check the ingredient list…some are better options than others)
- Carrots and celery
- No sugar added peanut butter and whole grain crackers
- Milk and fruit
- Cheese
- Hummus with veggies or whole grain crackers/pita
- All natural peanut butter or almond butter
- Turkey bacon with no nitrites
- Homemade sweet potato fries
- Veggies and dip (Vegannaise makes a great base for dips)
- Homemade mini pizza with cheese or veggie toppings
- Fruits
- Nuts
- Homemade smoothie
- Homemade trail mix
- Hard boiled egg or egg salad
- Tortilla (all natural or whole grain) with cheese and salsa on top
- Homemade ice cream (with all natural ingredients…you know what goes into it)
- Fruit or veggie kabobs
My favorite snacks right now are Triscuits (only 3 ingredients) with hummus, Pretzel Crisps (4 ingredients) with hummus and Jack’s Special Salsa (I like the medium). I love using this salsa on tacos, quesadillas and on homemade pizza! My favorite hummus right now is Sabra and I like the “Supremely Spicy” or “Roasted Red Pepper.”
His wife writes a blog and documents meals she makes. I scrolled through and found so many that I wanted to try. The website is called Premier Life Eating. Not all of her posts have pictures, but that doesn’t stop me from wanting to try them! I just like pictures so I know if I am doing it right or mine turns out correctly. 
As far as an update for how we are doing with our new lifestyle…we are doing great! We are finding more new foods to try, both at home and when we eat out. I have become way more adventurous and I look forward to my flavor-filled meals! I have gotten Maddie to try more foods. Many days she still wants noodles or chicken nuggets, but she is given whole grain, organic or healthier options of these things. I have also tried to get her better snack options for when we are out. And she is two, so yes, she still has days where she will eat cookies or chips for a meal. Pick your battles!
The other night, I made spaghetti with whole wheat noodles, Veggie Prego (has more veggies in it) then I added ground turkey meatballs and two cups of extra veggies into the sauce (onions, peppers, carrots, zucchini) and it was DELICIOUS! We had enough for two meals and I loved it just as much the second time and cleaned my plate. Two months ago, there was NO WAY I would have eaten all the vegetables in that dish.
I am very proud of how far I have come in such a short time. I even ordered a salad for my lunch today and LOVED it! Who am I? I was skeptical of this change, but I am so glad that we did it. And I thank my dear husband for giving us the push we needed to make it happen!
