This blog post is sponsored by Nature’s Bakery. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Seriously, there’s never a time when easy snacks won’t be a useful topic. We could all use some snack ideas from time to time!
I probably sound like a broken record with this, but as a mom, I’ve very quickly learned just how important kid-friendly foods are. My daughter’s only 9 months old, and already, she wants to eat everything that I eat.
Yesterday, she actually cried when I was eating a gummy bear and didn’t give her one (I felt bad and I usually give her everything, but I’m not about to give her something she can choke on!).
So, I’ve started to master which foods I can eat that are also great options for her. And don’t get me wrong, as long as the consistency is safe, most foods are just fine for kids.
But, at the same time, because the actual volume of food that children consume is so lower than that of adults, we do want to focus on more nutrient-dense options. Of course, fun foods are welcome from time to time. But we also want to make sure the foods that children eat offer some nutrition, too.
And of course, as adults, we can all use more easy snack ideas. Snacks are crucial throughout the day to keep us feeling full, satisfied and energetic (read more here).
Plus, if you’re reading this and have kids, you probably very much understand the importance of snacks are also easy and convenient.
The below options are great snacks for you and your children, which is the ultimate time saver – a win-win in my book.*
*Of course, modify snacks to a safe consistency based on your child’s age!
1. Hummus and Carrots
This combination couldn’t be easier. If I’m giving some to my 9 month old, I’ll roast her carrots in the air fryer for about 10 minutes first with some olive oil to make them a little softer.
2. Peanut Butter Toast
Speaking of nut butter, this combination needs no explanation. However you choose to make it, you can’t go wrong.
3. Nature’s Bakery Baked-Ins
A bar will always be the ultimate in convenience. I love that these organic, soft baked bars are made with whole grains, fruits and veggies, and have fiber to help keep you full. Plus, they taste like baked goods! They’re a perfect option for both you and your kids.
4. Overnight Oats
Make these the night before by combining dry oats with the milk of your choice and then letting them sit in the fridge overnight. You can eat them as is or spruce them up a bit with nut butter and/or fruit.
5. Banana “Sushi”
Cover a banana with ground flaxseed and cut it into thick slices. Add peanut butter on the side for dipping. It’s a fun way to remix a simple snack!
6. Crackers With Edamame Dip
Make a simple edamame dip by blending cooked, frozen edamame, olive oil and garlic in a food processor or blender. Pair with whole grain crackers to dip – easy!
7. Savory Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is so underrated, IMO – it’s a great source of protein! Serve it with sliced cucumber and/or cherry tomatoes for a savory spin.
8. String Cheese + Fruit
I’m forever a string cheese fan – it’s just so easy! Pair with a grab-and-go piece of fruit, like an apple or pear, for a snack that has a little more staying power.
9. Simple Smoothies
I’ve learned that my daughter loves sharing smoothies with me, and the combinations are endless. One of my favorites to make for us both is just frozen berries, milk and Greek yogurt.
10. Yogurt With Berries and Crumbled Baked-Ins
This is forever one of my favorite snack options – it couldn’t be easier to throw together. Crumble a Baked-Ins bar on top for a delicious yogurt bowl that tastes like dessert.
11. Avocado Toast
Let’s be real, we can’t have a snack list without avocado toast. To add more protein and make it more filling, add a hard-boiled egg on top or on the side.
12. Caprese Salad
Make an easy caprese salad with sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cheese and a drizzle of balsamic. This one feels involved but is so simple to throw together.
13. Energy Balls
Play around with different combinations of nut butter, oats, maple syrup and flax or chia seeds – you really can’t go wrong here! As a bonus, these are a fun option to make with toddlers or older children, too.
14. Banana “Ice Cream”
When your bananas get a bit too ripe, chop them and freeze them. Once you have those on hand, blend frozen bananas in a food processor or blender until smooth. To make this snack more filling, add things like nut butter, nuts or chocolate chips to the “ice cream.”
15. Cereal and Milk
This combination never fails. Choose a whole grain, high fiber cereal to help with fullness or, for younger kids, pick a cereal that gets soft in milk and is easy to chew.
As always, there’s no right or wrong serving size or suggestion. Need a bit more to make your snack filling? Go for it! While these ideas are here to give you fun and easy inspiration, they’re by no means exactly what everyone should eat.
Your hunger levels will vary from day to day. Having some ideas for what to feed both yourself and your kids take can help to take a little bit off your theoretical plate.
Want more tips on creating an easy, sustainable healthy relationship with food? Check out my membership program, All Foods Fit, with 12 thorough lessons to teach easy ways to create a healthy relationship with food. Or, check out my e-book, 7 Days to Make All Foods Fit, to learn a step by step guide to create a healthier relationship with food in just 7 days.
