Snacks & Lunches That Will Make Mom Smile
I can't believe that we have had school in session for two weeks. We are still working on finding our groove. One thing we are really concentrating on is healthy foods.
My daughter is a picky eater. It is furstrating. She will eat only limited foods and is not interested in trying anything new. Sadly, my son is also following suit. So, what's a mom to do? You have to use some psychology and bring in a little bit of fun. I find the more fun the food, the more quickly my kids gobble it up.
Sandwich shapes. Dig out the cookie cutters and cut out lunch into fun shapes. We stick with the time of year and will do apples, pumpkinds, snowflakes...whatever the season happens to be. I am able to use whole grain breads and cheese to make a fun (and inexpensive lunch).
K-Bobs: What kid doesn't love to play with their food? Take popsicle sticks (safer than skewers) and cut up various fruits into cubes. Help your child thread them onto the k-bob. Give them some yummy caramel dip or cream cheese for them to dip them into. This is a great one to send in the lunch box or even to have on hand when they tear through the front door yelling "MOM - I'M HUNGRY!"
Ants on a Log: This is a classic. Wash and slice celery and fill them with peanut butter (or you can use Cheeze Sauce) and top with raisins. You can even use other dried fruits if you wish to add a variety of flavors.
Silly Snack Faces: Take rice cakes and spread cream cheese, peanut butter, cheese sauce or another spread. Provide your child with raisins to use eyes, apple strips to serve as a mouth, grated carrots to use as hair, etc. You spread them and let your child do the rest. The kids love to get creative and have fun before they gobble down their snack!
Gorp: This is one that we had when I was growing up. Purchase various nuts, raisins, dried fruits, granola and some M&Ms. Pour equal amounts of each item into a large bowl. Cover and shake.
Oh - and one thing I want to be sure to mention is before you send something to school or daycare, you do need to be careful as there are so many children who have allergies to foods (such as peanuts). So, if you are unsure of allergies, be sure that you always check with your school/daycare provider before sending any snacks along with your child.
Anything you can do to make eating fun can help instill good, healthy eating habits in your children. Enjoy!