My 9-year-old son, Max, is about as picky as they come—he always has been. I’ll never forget his first encounter with solid food: applesauce (probably not the best introduction, looking back). After just one tiny taste, he shuddered as if we had given him something revolting.
As he’s grown, he has become a bit more open-minded about his nutritional choices. He understands the importance of eating a variety of foods, and he’s willing to collaborate with me to discover healthy options that won’t upset his delicate palate. While he does fairly well during mealtimes—especially dinner, when I can usually get him to eat a vegetable (broccoli or corn, to be specific) and a decent protein—snack time is a whole different story. It’s all too easy for him to grab a bag of chips or pretzels. I stock the healthiest brands, but it’s still a struggle to get him to choose something more nutritious.
Over the past few months, we’ve found some go-to snacks that I feel good about, and that he actually enjoys. Still, even the pickiest eaters can get stuck in a rut. So recently, Max and I searched Pinterest for some new snack ideas to taste-test together. Here are the winners:
1. Apple ‘Cookies’
Getting Max to eat fruit can be a challenge, but these apple “cookies” were a hit! Who can resist the classic apple and peanut butter combo? The chocolate chips only made it better. I should mention that we skipped the shredded coconut and chopped nuts, but hey, I’ll take any win!
2. Fruit and Sandwich Kabobs
I discovered that presentation matters! Max is more inclined to eat fruit—and even PB&J sandwiches—when they’re served on skewers. Who knew that a simple change could make such a difference?
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie
This has become a staple in our home. We’ve made it countless times. I adjust the ingredients to suit our taste (we skip the chia seeds!), but it’s one of the only ways I can sneak greens into Max’s diet. Trust me, the chocolate completely masks the taste of spinach; it’s delicious!
4. Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
Oh my, this was my favorite to try! Using full-fat coconut milk, it felt like we were indulging in strawberry ice cream. Most sweetness came from the fruit, but you can add a healthy sweetener if needed—Max definitely did!
5. Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding
Avocado is hailed as a superfood, but my son has never touched it before. However, he devoured this pudding made with it (I didn’t mention the avocado!). I added extra banana, and it was a success. The best part? He enjoyed it!
6. Flourless Pumpkin Muffins
Orange foods are tough for Max to eat—he won’t even try a carrot. But he loves pumpkin! These muffins turned out to be a fantastic hit, and they’re made with whole-grain oats for a nice texture.
7. Oatmeal Banana Cookies
This isn’t a new recipe, but it’s too easy and healthy not to share. Just four ingredients make your house smell like banana bread:
- 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
- 2 cups of whole oats
- ¼ cup oil (we prefer olive oil, but any simple oil works)
- Cinnamon to taste
Mash the bananas, mix in the oats, oil, and cinnamon. Shape into cookies and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until the edges are slightly brown. Your kids will love them, I guarantee!
Testing these snacks with Max turned mealtime into a fun activity. He enjoyed picking which recipes to try and had the power to veto those he didn’t like. Most importantly, it showed me that with a little creativity, it’s possible to provide nutritious snacks for even the most selective eaters. For more insights, this is one of our other blog posts that may interest you: Terms and Conditions. Additionally, if you’re exploring options for enhancing fertility, check out Boost Fertility Supplements. And for guidance on your first IUI, this resource is excellent.
In summary, with a little effort and creativity, it’s definitely possible to introduce healthy snacks that even picky eaters will enjoy.