The Snack Bin — Healthy and Organized Snacking for Kids!

The Snack Bin — Healthy and Organized Snacking for Kids!

via Pinterest.com and QuakerOats.com

Here's one idea of a snack bin shared on pinterest. (http://pinterest.com/pin/113575221823301394/)

We’ve been seeing ideas for “Healthy Snack Bins” going around Pinterest lately, which, for those that don’t know, is basically an online bulletin board where people can share healthy recipes, fashion advice, pictures, and just about anything else.

We loved the idea for a “Healthy Snack Bin” because it saves time for parents and helps kids learn portion control and make it easy for kids to choose healthy snacks.  If you prep you bin at the beginning of the week, you can use the snacks for lunches and just point to it every time your kid says “I’m hungry” between meals. We’ve seen many people recommend keeping a bin in your fridge and one in your pantry for dry goods.

Like the idea, but need some ideas for your snack bin? Quaker Oats website recently had an article full of good ideas for your snack bin! We think those frozen yogurt sandwiches sound delicious! See below:

“How do you encourage your kid to consume healthy snacks? Consider adding a “snack bin” in your refrigerator. Either clear out a drawer or add a large plastic storage container with a lid. Fill it with healthful foods and then let your child choose his or her own snacks from the “snack bin.”

Here are some ideas for delicious snacks that are low in fat and high in nutrition:

• Fruit & dip: Put washed fruit pieces in a plastic container. Mix plain yogurt, a bit of peanut butter and a little honey together in another round plastic container with a lid.
• Mini muffins: Make a batch of delicious, low-fat mini muffins. Visit our recipe collection for heart-healthy recipes like Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins or Lemon Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins.
• Cheese and crackers: Make small stacks of cheese slices and wrap up whole-wheat crackers. Kids can make their own double decker “sandwiches” and add protein and carbohydrates to their diets.
• Crisp veggies and dip: Place pre-cut carrot and green pepper sticks, broccoli florets, and grape tomatoes in containers in your snack bin. Pour low-fat salad dressing into small bowls to use as dip for the veggies.
• Create plastic snack bags full of raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds and a few nuts. These foods are high in calories, but pack a powerful energy punch. The trick is to eat a small portion.
• Toss together a crunchy snack mix and store in single-serve plastic containers.

For a freezer bin, try these delicious snacks:

• Applesauce freezer pops: Pour flavored or regular applesauce into a plastic mold or small paper cup, insert stick and freeze.
• Frozen yogurt sandwiches: Spread softened frozen yogurt between graham crackers to make “sandwiches.” Roll edges in wheat germ. Wrap individually in plastic wrap. Freeze until firm.
• Banana pops: Spread 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter evenly over 2 medium ripe bananas that have been peeled. Cut bananas into bite-size pieces; roll in wheat germ. Place bananas in single layer in a freezer-safe dish; cover and freeze until firm. After they are frozen, you can place them in a freezer bag for more compact storage. Thaw slightly before serving.”