Half term snacks sorted
Easy ideas to keep snack time simple and stress-free
Hello everyone, how is it mid-February already? This month is flying by and it’s already shaping up to be full of exciting things. Behind the scenes I’m working on a project that I’m incredibly proud of. It’s something quite big for me (and very needed!), and I can’t wait to share more very soon. If you enjoy following along with my work, you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out.
We’re also heading into half term, so a lot of my content this month is focused on lunchboxes, snacks and simple ideas to help parents who are stretched thin and trying to keep everyone fed and happy. I know how intense this week can feel, and I hope the resources below make things a little easier. I’m taking some time off with the kids for this half term, and as they get older I’m valuing this time more and more.
Earlier this month I had the joy of appearing on This Morning, which was such a wonderful experience. Did anyone catch it?
Looking ahead, March is set to be a busy one. I’ll be speaking at three events/conferences, with more details coming very soon.
Scroll down for this month’s updates, tips and resources. I hope they support you through the juggle of family life.
In the news
Salt in soups - New research from Action on Salt has found that many shop-bought soups are ‘overloaded with salt’, something to keep in mind when feeding babies and young children. In my blog, I cover the maximum salt recommendations for babies, along with easy, practical ways to add flavour to food without relying on salt. Over in my recipes, you’ll also find some delicious baby-friendly homemade soup ideas.
Fussy eating support - I recently spoke on This Morning, sharing my top tips to make mealtimes happier and calmer. This included a phone-in, where I was able to answer some of your questions around fussy eating. You can catch a few clips here, and for more practical support and reassurance, head to the end of my newsletter.
Vitamins back in stock - I’m so pleased to say my children’s vitamin drops are finally back in stock after lots of messages from you asking. Thank you so much for your patience. You can shop them again here.
From the blog
Do babies need snacks? Often a question I am asked - do little ones actually need snacks? How many should they have? This blog covers it all!
Easy no-cook snacks - I’m often asked for ideas for no-cook snacks that are quick, simple and realistic for busy days. In this blog, I’ve shared some of my go-to favourites that need minimal prep and no cooking at all.
7 days of snacks - Snack ideas can sometimes feel repetitive, so in this blog I’ve put together a week’s worth of simple, family-friendly snacks to take the stress out of planning.
Recipes
My kids LOVE this recipe and it’s one of our go-to snacks at home. It’s my chocolate raisin bread, which I’ve been enjoying baking recently. It’s taken from my book How to Feed Your Toddler and is a really quick, fuss-free option that works brilliantly on its own or served with a dollop of yoghurt and a few squashed berries.
One of my most popular recipes is my baby oatcakes. They make a perfect snack for little ones, with so many topping options, from dips and nut/seed butters to grated cheese or mashed egg.
My raspberry oaty cookies are a new recipe of mine that I recently shared for Valentine’s Day, but honestly they’re perfect at any time of year. They’re made in one bowl, always go down well, and contain fibre and healthy fats too.
Tips for smart snacking
Mini-meals - I like to think of snacks as little mini-meals, including a variety of the main food groups to help keep them more balanced and filling. E.g. serve oatcakes with hummus and cucumber slices.
Add extra nutrients - Snacks offer an opportunity to boost nutrition across the day by using nutrient-rich foods like yoghurt, nut/seed butters, cheese or hummus alongside other simple foods.
Try to time snacks well - Offering snacks too close to mealtimes can reduce your little one’s appetite at the table. Paying attention to when you offer snacks can help keep mealtimes happy and encourage healthy eating habits.
Balance shop-bought snacks - Sometimes snacks are crisps, bars or biscuits, and that’s okay. To keep things balanced, try pairing them with fruit and veggie sticks, milk or dips.
My fussy eating crash course
Fussy eating can feel exhausting and worrying, especially when food refusals start to become a regular battle. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. My Fussy Eating Crash Course brings together all of my practical, evidence-based guidance from supporting thousands of families, alongside what’s worked in our own home with my two children.
You’ll get:
A breakdown of what fussy eating really is
My tried and tested strategies (that work!)
Video guidance to watch at your own pace
An exclusive resource pack to support you on your feeding journey
You can work through it in your own time and pick up tools you can start using straight away, helping to take the pressure off mealtimes and make them feel calmer and more enjoyable for everyone.