I have a 9-year-old son named Max who is as selective as they come when it comes to food. I can still recall the first time we introduced him to solid food: applesauce. Looking back, it may not have been the wisest choice. After just one tiny lick, he scrunched his face like we’d handed him something spoiled.
As he’s grown, Max has started to understand the importance of eating a balanced diet. He’s aware that he should get nutrients from various food groups, and to my surprise, he’s become open to collaborating on finding nutritious options that won’t offend his delicate palate. While he manages to eat well during mealtime—especially at dinner where broccoli or corn are usually his veggie of choice—snacks have been a different story. It’s all too tempting for him to grab a bag of chips or pretzels. Although I stock the healthiest brands, it’s still a challenge to get him to choose something nutritious.
Over the last few months, we’ve discovered a handful of go-to snacks that I feel good about, and that he willingly enjoys. Yet, even the most finicky eaters can fall into a rut. Recently, Max allowed me to explore Pinterest for new snack ideas for him to try out. Here are the standout options:
1. Apple “Cookies”
Convincing Max to eat fruit can be a chore, but these apple “cookies” were a hit. The classic combination of apple and peanut butter is hard to resist, and the addition of chocolate chips makes it even sweeter. We skipped the shredded coconut and chopped nuts, but that’s okay—I’ll take what I can get!
2. Fruit and Sandwich Skewers
I discovered that sometimes, it’s all about presentation. Max is more inclined to eat fruit—and even PB&J sandwiches—when they’re skewered. Who would have thought? The important part is that he gave it a try, and that’s what counts.
3. Chocolate Peanut Butter Green Smoothie
This is a staple in our household. We’ve made it countless times, and I adjust the recipe as needed (we skip the chia seeds). It’s one of the few ways I can sneak in greens without Max noticing. Believe me, the chocolate masks the taste of spinach, and it’s actually delicious!
4. Strawberries and Cream Smoothie
This one was a delightful treat for me! Using full-fat coconut milk, it tasted almost like strawberry ice cream, with most of the sweetness coming from the fruit itself. If your child needs a bit more sweetness, feel free to add a healthy sweetener.
5. Avocado Banana Chocolate Pudding
Avocados are renowned for their health benefits, yet Max has never been a fan. However, he devoured this pudding made with avocado without knowing it. I did use more banana than avocado, but hey, the main takeaway is that he enjoyed it!
6. Flourless Pumpkin Muffins
Getting orange foods, rich in vitamins A and C, into Max’s diet is a challenge—he won’t even touch a carrot. But he adores pumpkin, so these muffins were a hit! They’re chewy thanks to whole-grain oats.
7. Oatmeal Banana Cookies
This recipe isn’t new to us, but it’s worth sharing because it’s incredibly easy and healthy. Plus, it fills your home with the aroma of banana bread. Just combine three very ripe mashed bananas, two cups of whole oats, a quarter cup of oil (we usually use olive oil), and cinnamon to taste. Form into medium-sized cookies and bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until edges are slightly brown. Your kids will love them—I promise!
Testing these snacks with Max was a fun experience. It transformed eating into a game, making it more enjoyable for him. He appreciated being involved in selecting which recipes to try and could veto the ones he didn’t like. Most importantly, it proved that with a bit of creativity, it’s entirely possible to serve healthy snacks to even the pickiest of eaters. If you’re interested in more tips and tricks, check out one of our other blog posts here.
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Summary:
Discovering healthy snacks for picky eaters can be a challenge, but with a little creativity, you can find options that are both nutritious and appealing. From apple “cookies” to chocolate pudding, these seven snacks are sure to please even the most selective palates.
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