As a pediatrician and a parent, I can relate to the challenges of feeding a selective eater. My son, Leo, was particularly discerning from a young age. I vividly recall introducing him to solid foods, starting with applesauce—perhaps not the best choice, as his reaction was akin to tasting spoiled wine. However, as he matured, he began to understand the importance of a balanced diet and was more open to exploring healthy options that wouldn’t clash with his delicate palate.
While he generally eats well during meals, particularly at dinner with his preferred vegetables (broccoli or corn) and protein choices, snacking poses a bigger challenge. It’s all too easy for him to gravitate toward chips or pretzels. Despite keeping a selection of healthier brands on hand, it’s still a struggle to find nutritious snacks that he actually enjoys.
Recently, we embarked on a quest for new snack ideas, which turned out to be a fun little project. After scouring Pinterest, here are some of our top picks that Leo approved:
- Apple “Cookies”
Convincing Leo to eat fruit can be a daunting task, but these apple “cookies” were a game changer. The combination of apple and peanut butter is hard to resist, especially with a sprinkle of chocolate chips. I opted not to include shredded coconut or nuts, but you can customize it to your liking. - Fruit and Sandwich Skewers
Presentation can make all the difference. By threading fruit and even PB&J sandwiches onto skewers, Leo was much more inclined to try them. Sometimes, it’s all about the fun factor! - Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie
A staple in our household, this smoothie is a surefire way to sneak in some greens. I’ve adapted the recipe over time (no chia seeds here!), but the rich flavor of chocolate masks the spinach taste perfectly. Even I enjoy it! - Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
This delightful treat uses full-fat coconut milk, which was a real indulgence for me since I’ve had to avoid dairy. It’s reminiscent of strawberry ice cream, with natural sweetness from the fruit. A little extra sweetener might be necessary for some kids. - Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding
Avocado is a superfood that I adore, but Leo has always steered clear of it. However, he devoured this pudding without a clue that it contained avocado. I made sure to use more banana than avocado, but the result was a hit! - Flourless Pumpkin Muffins
Leo tends to shy away from orange foods, but he loves pumpkin. These muffins, made with whole-grain oats, were a fantastic way to incorporate nutrients without a fuss. - Oatmeal Banana Cookies
A beloved recipe in our home, these cookies are incredibly easy to make and only require four ingredients:
– 3 very ripe bananas, mashed
– 2 cups of whole oats
– ¼ cup oil (we typically use olive oil)
– Cinnamon to taste
Simply mash the bananas, mix everything together, form cookies, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. The aroma of banana bread will fill your kitchen, and kids adore them!
Testing these recipes with Leo turned snack time into an enjoyable activity rather than a chore. He appreciated being part of the selection process and was able to veto options that didn’t appeal to him. What I learned through this experience is that with a touch of creativity and a little detective work, you can discover healthy snacks that even the pickiest eaters will love. For more insights on nurturing healthy eating habits in children, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and for related topics, consider visiting this link to another one of our blog posts. If you’re looking for a reliable source on home insemination, check out Make a Mom.