After School Yogurt Bar

Today I’m sharing a simple healthy snack great for picky eaters. Yogurt bars help kids feel in control and are a great way to expose them to new foods and flavors. This post is sponsored by FAGE Total Greek Yogurt. All opinions are my own.

One of my very favorite parenting strategies I learned while talking to a friend in her basement, while Lincoln was still squirming around in my uterus. She told her toddler it was time to go upstairs for lunch and he clearly didn’t want to leave his toys. Then she asked if he wanted to go up the stairs fast like a lion or slow like a turtle and he jumped up, deciding he wanted to go up fast like a lion.

She explained that her kids like to feel in control, even if its just about how they do the activity they have to do.

Now that I have my own toddlers, we pose these kind of choices ALL DAY. They’re miracle workers at getting my kids to do things they might initially refuse.

We’ve also been trying them in the world of eating. The picky eating saga is still going strong with Adelaide but offering choices seems to work quite well. Sometimes I still need to remind myself that my job is just to give healthy options (did you catch this full guide of suggestions for picky eaters?).

One thing we’ve been upgrading is our afternoon snacks, in an effort to get away from just crackers or granola bars. This yogurt bar we put together with FAGE Total yogurt is a great way to let kids feel like they’re choosing their snacks, while still making sure they are getting something healthy. FAGE Total Greek Yogurt is a thick, creamy, all natural Greek strained yogurt that is free of any additives or preservatives. There’s no added sugar and I love that it’s rich in protein and a good source of calcium.

Here’s what you’ll need:

FAGE Total yogurt
Raspberries
Blueberries
Dried Pineapple
Granola (I like peanut butter for added protein and a flavor they’re familiar with)
Honey
Trail mix (this one is nuts, sunflower seeds, and raisins)

Hand your child a bowl of yogurt and then let them select whichever toppings they want! Here are a few favorite combinations around here:

Berry Heaven: Blueberries, Raspberries, and honey

Out and About: Trail Mix, honey, and blueberries

Tropical Breeze: Dried Pineapple, blueberries, granola

To keep set-up easier, store your toppings in sealed containers you can put away in the fridge or cupboard and pull out regularly.

New toppings are also a great way to introduce new foods in unobtrusive ways to your kids. Have they never had blackberries before? Next time offer those alongside the blueberries. They might not choose them the first few times but it is a simple chance to expose them to new things. And remember, it can take up to 5-7 times for a child (or an adult) to like a new food so if a topping isn’t a hit the first time, keep setting it out to see if your toddler will try it again.

Happy Snacking!