Toddler Meals and Snack Ideas for a Day In
I’m always looking for nutritious yet simple meals for my toddler and normally I am packing those into bento boxes and stainless steel containers for our daycare setup. But this week, we had a snow day in Alabama. Which, was actually a few inches and rarely happens! So, I wanted to share what I offered my toddler on a snow day in!
Breakfast: Avocado and “Chips”
Our snowy day began with a breakfast that was both easy to prepare and packed with nutrients. I served up some scrambled eggs, which are a great protein source for little hands to easily grab. I like to get local eggs for a high quality option. Grocery store eggs are so expensive now so if you haven’t found local eggs yet, it may be time to try! Many times, they are actually the cheaper egg option.
Avocado is a favorite of my toddlers and will make it on to her food tray at meal times and snack time. Avocado is a great first food because it’s rich in healthy fats essential for growing brains.
She loves avocado and chips, but this is breakfast so I went with a more well balanced cracker option. We love the Simple Mills Almond Crackers and can usually find them at Costco. I have been known to serve tortilla chips at breakfast sometimes, too! It’s called balance, I guess! If you are having trouble with your toddler turning into a little picky eater, try calling the food something it’s not- like our crackers that are “chips” today. Sometimes yogurt it “ice cream” and sometimes it’s yogurt- it depends on my toddler’s mood but I find the pickiest eaters are older. Toddlers tend to be pretty adventurous as long as it’s their idea and not my own idea.
Lunch: Quick and Tasty with a Crunch
For lunch, convenience met nutrition with these delightful chicken nuggets from Good Rancher. They are new and I love them so far! They are gluten and most allergen free if you need that! I got them because I appreciate that they are made using farm sourced chicken that I trust. I popped them into the air fryer, which is a lifesaver for getting that perfect crispy texture in a hurry without cooking over a stove!
On the side, I offered apple chips, which were a fun treat from Trader Joe’s. They were an impulse buy because they do have a good amount of sugar, but that’s why we call them a treat- they were just that!
I added some fresh bell pepper slices and a dollop of hummus, which is excellent for dipping and full of protein and fiber. More pomegranate seeds made their way onto the plate as they usually do. This lunch was a hit, providing a balanced mix of protein, fruits, and vegetables.
Snow days at home can be a wonderful opportunity to experiment with meals that are both wholesome and enjoyable for toddlers. By focusing on colorful, varied plates, we can use these days to try new foods since your little one trusts you the most! I hope our snow day menu inspires you to create your own delightful meals for your little ones, no matter the weather!
