Toddler Friendly Snacks

[racheltom]

My 3 year old is a healthy eater and eats a lot of raw veggies, fresh fruits, etc.  She is also a good meat eater.  Since her celiac diagnosis, we have gotten into a bad habit of eating the processed gluten free crackers/pretzels for snacks. I'd like to replace these with protein based snacks.  Any ideas? I've tried to sell her on almonds but she's not interested (even almonds/raisins/peanuts as a "trail mix" but no luck).  She does occasionally have peanut butter spread on apples as a snack.  I'm looking for ideas of what to send to daycare/preschool that can be easily snacked on without preparation. 

Has anyone had luck with yogurt?  I hate to buy the flavored yogurt since it has so much sugar… what is a good way to flavor the plain yogurt?  Other protein based snack ideas? 

Thanks! 

[africanqueen99]

My kids are insane about yogurt (you can sweeten with honey, but my kids prefer the organic Stoneybrook - strawberry flavor) and spoonfuls of sunbutter.

 

Have you tried giving her shelled peanuts?  Not really a daycare option, but 3 year olds can totally break them open and it's a massive time killer.

[StephanieL]

If your kiddo is a good eater, they are most likely getting enough protein at meals. It is really surprising how much they really need vs. what we think they need.   I would check out the dietary requirements for her before worrying too much about getting more into her.  I know when I was looking into these things I was shocked at the actual need!  It's much lower than I thought and I found he was getting plenty as it was.

 

I would be hesitant to send nut/nut butters because many school are peanut/tree nut free so starting that trend may derail at school.  Also, shelling nuts is a huge risk factor in schools because of the dust becoming airborne so I would really really discourage that (for any parent really!)

 

I agree with the sugar in yogurt!  It's crazy! We treat it as a treat here because of that.  They do sell ziplock tubes you can stuff yourself so you could make your own with plain!  I think they are called Zipcicles?  I bought them a while ago but that sounds like them.

 

What about roasted chick peas?  I make them several ways (Asian with wheat free soy sauce and sesame oil or extra virgin olive oil and rosemary and sea salt!).