Do you get asked a thousand times each day for a snack? I do. What they usually mean is that they want something sweet, like candy or cookies, but occasionally they really are hungry. I want them to eat healthy, so I decided to make an “anytime snacks” cubby in my refrigerator door.
The kids LOVE the idea that they don’t even have to ask for a snack–they can walk right up to the fridge, open the door and eat as much out of the anytime snacks cubby as they want. I am not worried about them eating too much sugar, nor am I worried about them “spoiling their dinner” because I only stock the cubby with vegetables!
I have 1 child who eats like a rabbit. Literally. She munches cucumbers, celery, lettuce like she doesn’t have any taste buds. I don’t ever have trouble getting her to eat her veggies. I have one who likes select veggies, but won’t branch out and try new ones (unless they’re smothered in ranch). Then I have one who doesn’t care for veggies much at all. I am lucky to get him to eat his recommended servings. THIS HAS HELPED!
My veggie hater actually will pick up a carrot or two for a snack. Hey, one or two is better than none at all! My selective veggie eater will stick with what she likes mostly, but if nothing else is available, she has tried a bite or two of something else. You see, it is all in the freedom of being able to do this independently. They love that they can control what they eat and when they eat it!
Last week, I had a little leftover cantaloupe that was nearing its expiration, so I put it in the cubby. The kids were thrilled to have fruit as one of their choices. I won’t do this all the time, but it was a nice change.
If you are inspired to try this, the instructions are simple. Cut veggies into small pieces, put in zipper bags and shove them in the fridge at a level that your kids can reach. (This also helps when I am preparing my husband’s lunch in the mornings because I already have them cut and ready to pack.) We’ve been going 2 or 3 weeks strong on this, and I’m hoping it is something that sticks. I actually still make the Lemon Ice Cubes I posted about last summer. Little changes that make eating healthier more fun!
Are your kids veggie eaters?