Ok peeps, I need some help! I need some new ideas for lunch and snacks for my almost 2 year old. We are all over Goldfish Pretzels, Hormel Natural Choice Deli Meat, Granny Smith Apples, Organic Strawberries & Blueberries, Watermelon, Sun Maid Mini Snack Raisins, Yoplait Whips and of course CHEERIOS.
So PLEASE somebody give me some new ideas! I just feel like we’ve got the same rotation constantly!
(P.S. We are currently on a cheese strike, but we are working on it…)
Horizon Little Blends Yogurt (has a hidden veggie and fruit in each serving). Pirates Booty, White Cheddar (healthier cheese puffs). Dole Pineapple bowls (in 100% juice). Vanilla Wafers and Animal Crackers. I like to buy a rotiserrie chicken each week and the girls eat that a lot for lunch.
I second the Pirate’s Booty, and any other chips made from vegetables. For my picky son I get those baby foods in pouches (like Ella’s Kitchen, Revolution Foods, and Plum Organics). He thinks they are a yummy smoothie he can suck right out of the pouch, but I know they are made from fruits and veggies. I am all for sneaking a little nutrition into the snacks where it comes to my picky eater.
Cereal bars (nutra grain, gerber). Freeze dried fruit (it’s kind of crispy. I can find some Disney brand at my market, or the ‘just fruit’ brand at ny health food store). Bertoli makes a mini pasta that only takes 7 min to boil. Big hit around here (as long as I keep it plain…no butter or oil. Go figure!) Tortillas. On the cheese, try taking American slices and cutting them into shapes using cookie cutters. Might peak his interest?
@Lori we’ve done the rotisserie chicken from time to time… we do it more at dinner time than anything. And he’s not a huge fan of cookies–go figure! He’d rather have fruit. Unless another kid is around and THEY are eating cookies.
@Melinda I’ll definitely check out Pirate’s Booty!!
@Danielle mini pasta! I need to check that out…he does seem to like parmesan cheese so I definitely could try that out… As far as the american cheese–yeah thats a no go–we’ve tried a ton of different cheeses and he’s just not a fan these days. It wasn’t always the case…
Cheese cubes and string cheese are a regular part of my kid’s lunch, but that’s out for you. My 2.5 year old is more of a grazer. She rarely eats a meal sized portion of anything. I usually serve her 4 or so small portions at each meal.
Morningstar Farms veggie chicken nuggets and veggie burgers.
Hummus with crackers and veggie sticks.
Quesadillas – Chicken, black beans and cheese (or just cheese). These are great for hiding veggies and an easy to-go lunch that can be served room temp.
Wraps – Sometimes I’ll spread a little hummus on a tortilla and roll it up with some chicken or turkey.
Apple slices with peanut butter for dipping.
Sugar snap peas.
And our old standby when she doesn’t want anything else: PB&J! Natural peanut butter and strawberry preserves on whole grain bread.
@Meg yes we used to do string cheese a lot but he’s decided he doesn’t like cheese of any sort right now..not even chips and queso…not sure he’s my child. We do chicken nuggets for dinner here and there too..so I need to check into your veggie burgers. I hadn’t even thought about sugar snap peas…that’s a great idea!