graze trays | a fun way to snack

​I KNOW I am not the only momma out there that feels like the kids are asking for snacks 24/7/365 a year!  We have been using graze trays for awhile, and we are OBSESSED. Use an ice cube tray, a muffin tin, or a compartmentalized plastic dish. Fill each section with bite-size portions of colorful and nutritious foods and we call it a “graze tray.” The kids LOVE it! When you think of snacks, often packaged foods come to mind but this creative idea encourages more whole foods rather than packaged foods. Snacks that are good for grazing leave kids feeling satisfied but not too full. Also, graze trays takes the pressure off of the child because the child has options, and he/she may be willing to try something they normally wouldn’t touch. Come 4pm, you might find this momma stealing a few carrots from the tray!

​Here are some guidelines for healthy grazing snacks:

1. Pack protein in every snack. When I say protein, I don’t mean animal protein necessarily…nut, beans, lentils, hummus, protein balls, seeds, etc.
2. Remember fiber! Fiber is filling and slows down the absorption of carbs, so blood sugar and insulin levels stay steady.
3. Always partner carbs with protein, fiber and healthy fat  
4. Keep it simple, make it filling!                                              
5. Offer frequent healthy graze trays. The younger the child, the more frequent the snacks. It is unusual for a child to overeat on nutritious food.                                                                   
6. Prep some of the stuff ahead of time so it’s easy to grab and fill.
7. Set out plates for your kids to load up.
8. Add foods they already love, and foods they haven’t tried.
9. Use silicone muffin tins or regular muffin tins with bright colored cupcake holders.
10. Fill a couple of the cups with  healthy “dipping” sauces like hummus, salsa, pesto, guacamole, peanut butter or honey mustard.
11. Lastly, get the kids involved! Allow them to help fill the trays! Often times when we get the kids involved with the food prep, they are more willing to eat it!

Below are some graze tray ideas:
Hard boiled eggs, carrots (my kids are more willing to eat these if they are steamed), broccoli, dates, bell peppers, apple slices, raisins, fruit (strawberries, blueberries, peaches, grapes, bananas, etc), nuts, hearts of palm, turkey pepperoni, banana chips, kale chips, sliced turkey, cucumbers, tomatoes, popcorn, olives, pickles, dried fruit, roasted chickpeas, beans, pomegranate seeds, edamame, avocado

​Also, we love a “snackle box” for trips and after school snacks!
​Fill a clean tackle box with lots of yummy, whole food snacks for planes, trains, or automobile rides! Remember, keep it simple! Involve the kids! Offer a dip! Graze away!!!!

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