Behind The Butter

What We Snack On

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I get asked pretty often what our meals and snacks look like these days so I thought this would be a fun post. Lately, I have been really trying to make an effort to keep healthier snack foods on hand (mainly for my own sake so I don’t binge on tortilla chips the second I get Grayson to sleep). A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.

Also – and this is another post in and of itself – Grayson is quite the eater now! The kid eats practically everything and has solid meals three times a day (I am also still breastfeeding). Keeping cut up healthy food ready makes his meals and snacks a lot easier. That way I don’t have a kid in a high chair wailing at me while I chop up fruit or defrost soup.

So, the above photo is a pretty good representation as to the “snack” foods that our in our fridge on a weekly basis. We’ve been doing Blue Apron for the past few weeks, which is a wonderful service that delivers all the ingredients you need + recipes for three meals a week. Again, that’s another post in and of itself but we just love it. What I’m trying to get at is that lately I’ve just been hitting up Trader Joe’s on Monday afternoons to get “filler” foods since our meals are taken care of. It’s been great!

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Grayson loves when the Blue Apron shipment comes on Tuesdays! Boxes and paper are his favorite. πŸ˜‰

Back to the first photo – every week, I have been roasting a couple sweet potatoes and keeping the chunks on hand for quick snacks for Grayson and myself. He loves roasted sweet potatoes and they keep well in the fridge for a few days.

Peas are great, except Grayson is kind of over them now. I hand him peas and he’s all like “okay what next?”.

Blueberries are Grayson’s favorite food! He could eat all blueberries all day. I love them, too, so we’ve been keeping stock of them.

Diced mango is yummy and on sale right now at Whole Foods. I love those champagne mangoes – so sweet and delicious! Grayson goes crazy for it.

Roast chickpeas are a yummy snack that I like. I don’t give these roast chickpeas to Grayson since they are sort of hard (he loves regular cooked chickpeas).

Chopped up pineapple for us to snack on in the afternoons is always great. This one wasn’t as sweet as I had hoped though.

What you don’t see, but what we always also have in terms of snacks, are hard boiled eggs, avocado, cheese and yogurt. Every week I hard boil a few eggs to keep on hand because I love them. Grayson likes the yolks the best, which is awesome since that’s the healthiest part! We both love avocado, cheese and plain yogurt. It makes it so easy when everything is right there, already prepped so I can just reach in, grab and feed fast!

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I’ve also been buying roast chicken already prepped from Trader Joe’s, along with these Ezekiel wraps (not from TJs) and my favorite eggplant hummus. This is mainly for my lunch, but Grayson loves little bits of roast chicken and hummus as well! I always just make sure to chop up the chicken in really small pieces for him.

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Lastly, I’ve been trying to make one healthy snack a week during naptime. Last week it was Gina’s brownie batter protein bites and this week it’s Emily’s sunbutter energy bites (made instead with almond butter). I snack on these and send them to work with Adam. Our appetites have really ramped up in the past two weeks due to our workouts!

That’s all for now – what are your favorite snacks to keep on hand?

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  • Claire Z.
    March 25, 2015 at 10:44 am

    I see that you are feeding Grayson what works for you and what he seems to like. But have you considered doing things completely differently based on what works for me and my child, even though I don’t know you and I’m not a pediatrician or a nutritionist?

    (JK in case you can’t tell. I just went back thru some of your archives and was getting riled up on you behalf based on some of the ‘helpful’ feedback you’ve gotten on him. I’m very glad you’ve got a young man there who’s into such a nice array of foods! )

    • Lauren C
      March 26, 2015 at 9:37 am

      Hilarious!

    • Tanah
      March 26, 2015 at 10:17 am

      I just laughed so hard at this!

      • Jenny Deitz
        March 27, 2015 at 1:21 pm

        I didn’t initially see the last part and was like, what on earth?!?!

        Jena – you have definitely been put through the fire in some of these comments, so I’m glad you also get to see your faithful readers acknowledging how ludicrous those discussions were. πŸ™‚

  • Lisa
    March 25, 2015 at 10:54 am

    Love that picture of him! He looks so happy!

    • Laura @ Raise Your Garden
      March 27, 2015 at 4:23 am

      Grayson is adorable! He looks healthy and happy. My kids love blueberries too, it’s their favorite snack. But they are pricy! My 3-year-old eats a whole pint in a sitting. Favorite indulgence is the huge pack of red raspberries and kiwi’s, so expensive but satisfies my cravings for sugar! And it didn’t help that my mom (bless her heart) dropped off Easter baskets for the girls EACH containing 4 pounds of chocolate!

  • Caitlyn Gledhill
    March 25, 2015 at 10:55 am

    Your son is so beautiful! I love how happy he is to play with your grocery shipment. I hope that someday when I have a child that I’ll be able to dedicate myself to him/her in the same way that you have to Grayson.

  • Laura @SheEatsWell
    March 25, 2015 at 11:06 am

    Love these snacks! I always keep hardboiled eggs in the fridge too. As of lately, my other favorite snacks are carrots with salted almond butter (weird, but I love it) and pear slices wrapped in prosciutto (sounds fancy, but the sweet and salty combo is great).

  • Kay @ goaloflosing.com
    March 25, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Those are some great snack ideas! I have a 9 week old daughter and I keep Balance Bars nearby for myself, and in the diaper bag for on the go. I actually have a Balance Bar Giveaway going on right now! I just can’t get enough of them!

  • Chelsea @ Designs on Dinner
    March 25, 2015 at 11:47 am

    We have pickled eggs in the fridge and I try to keep turkey jerky and apples in my car in case I get hungry on my drive home. That way I have time to make dinner instead of snacking too much on high calorie foods while I’m making it.

  • Marcia
    March 25, 2015 at 12:02 pm

    I’m addicted to blk pepper string cheese, fruit, and hard boiled eggs. I like the idea of having a set lunch for the week, I’ve got breakfast and dinners down, but always scratch my head for easy yet yummy meals, thanks!

  • Ursula
    March 25, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    How cute is Grayson! I’ve been hearing about the Blue Apron on all sorts of podcasts lately but sadly they don’t have them in my town in northern Canada. Look delicious though and having healthy snacks on hand is definitely key

  • lindsey
    March 25, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Those all sound like really similar snacks we keep on hand too! I tried giving up dairy for a while but me and my 2 yr old are obsessed with yogurt and fruit.

    I’ve been making Gina’s Quinoa Trail mix muffins from her book too b/c they’re sooooo dang delicious!

  • Carrie
    March 25, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    My daughter is one month older than Grayson and we, too, feed her a lot of fruit and pre-cooked TJ’s chicken. Another thing that I always pick up at TJ’s for her lunch is their precooked lentils (in the fridge section). They are soft and healthy and she gobbles them up – maybe Grayson will, too! Oh, and their roasted beets! I buy those from TJ’s and then just cut them up and put them with lentils and chicken for her lunch.

  • HilJo
    March 25, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    I have to say–you seem like an awesome mom. The way you talk about your little guy is very sweet!! πŸ™‚

  • B.
    March 25, 2015 at 2:39 pm

    wow, so lovely! <3

  • jen
    March 25, 2015 at 3:03 pm

    Ah the peas! Both of mine loved peas cold straight from the freezer, especially when teething. Magic frozen peas still equals immediate and sure to please veggie side for my 2 and 4 yr olds.

    • jenna
      March 25, 2015 at 3:05 pm

      My mom told me that frozen peas were candy when I was little so they hold a soft spot in my heart. I was so happy sitting there with a bag of “candy” in front me — we still joke about it to this day! That’s so funny! I will try it πŸ™‚

      • Jackie K
        March 26, 2015 at 7:22 am

        I fed both of my girls peas and called them “candy” too!!

      • Keri
        March 26, 2015 at 8:19 am

        My mom would freeze grapes and tell us they were jelly beans. I was a little too old when I figured out what real jelly beans were :).

  • Lisa R
    March 25, 2015 at 7:06 pm

    I totally binge on tortilla chips when my baby naps, too. I hear ya when you say, “a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do.” πŸ™‚ I’m slowly cutting out the treats and snacking on veggies with hummus instead. I always have hummus on hand and nuts and raisins + tea helps in the evenings when I crave ice cream. My 3 year old loves his peas and grapes. I try to always keep fruit and veggie squeeze pouch or Cliff Z-Bar in my purse when we’re out because he’s always asking for a “treat.”

    I always have the best intentions trying to prep meals or snacks on the weekend, but I fail every time. One day!

  • Jillian
    March 26, 2015 at 5:34 am

    Love this post! I’m an eat the entire big bag of pita chips in one sitting type gal….fun and super helpful to see convenient snack ideas. Thanks!

  • Emily @ Life on Food
    March 26, 2015 at 5:39 am

    I love these posts. I need some quick and easy meals. I am really contemplating the meal service option. There are so many out there now.

  • Erin B
    March 26, 2015 at 6:49 am

    My son is a few weeks younger than Grayson and he LOVES black beans! They’re his absolute favorite! He really likes stuff he can pick up himself and I hadn’t thought of peas. Good one!

  • Vanessa
    March 26, 2015 at 9:21 am

    How do you like the T 25 workouts? My husband and I are looking for a workout we can do together and he suggested T 25. I think they look very difficult, but I want something where my hubby and I can team up!

    • jenna
      March 26, 2015 at 10:22 am

      We are loving them – they are hard but it’s fun to do together and I wouldn’t say they are so hard where you don’t feel like you can finish….because when you put your mind to it, it’s only 25 minutes and you feel better for the rest of the day! I really highly recommend them.

  • Sarah
    March 26, 2015 at 9:27 am

    Jenna can you share how many times do you still BF? And do you have a plan on how you are going to stop or when? Milk from there or anything? I only ask because I’m in that boat and wondering what people do! We are down to 3 feedings and my son is 14mo and really have no plan from here haha
    My son is also OBSESSED with blueberries. I can’t believe how fast he eats them. Besides blueberries he loves mangos!!! Our boys would be buddies and fight over their fruit haha

    • jenna
      March 26, 2015 at 10:23 am

      I nurse 3x a day and he gets a bottle before bed. I plan to start to wean sometime this summer but no real plans yet – just going to see how it goes!

      • Sarah
        March 26, 2015 at 11:18 am

        I hope you share a post! I’d love to hear about it. Also when do we get a Grayson update!!!???
        Can you also update on your beauty routine? I know in previous post you mentioned since you were approaching 30 you wanted wrinkle cream or defense from wrinkles and was curious what you ended up with? I just turned 30 in Feb and am in the market for some wrinkle defense!

        • Julie
          March 26, 2015 at 1:55 pm

          If we’re putting in requests for posts, I’d also love a cloth diaper update. You’re right Jenna- prefolds are so vastly superior to pockets!! πŸ™‚ I wish it hadn’t taken me 6 months to give them a second shot because now I looooove them. My baby is turning one tomorrow (sniff) and she is crazy for dates! And those frozen artichoke hearts from Trader Joes. I cook them up and keep them in the fridge.

  • Kelsey @ Snacking Squirrel
    March 26, 2015 at 1:52 pm

    You snack on the healthiest foods around. Everything is fresh and bright and packed with nutrition. Whole foods to the rescue! πŸ˜‰ xo

  • Jennifer
    March 26, 2015 at 3:59 pm

    Honestly….I don’t snack. I have lived in Europe for several years and it’s not in the culture to snack over here. Actually many are disgusted by Americans and that we eat all the time….and anywhere. They may eat a piece of cheese or fruit if horribly hungry but not often. I have come to enjoy this. It forces you to sit and eat and enjoy three meals a day….to “respect’ the food the French like to say πŸ™‚

    • Laura
      March 26, 2015 at 5:46 pm

      man, americans can’t do anything right!

      • Jennifer
        March 26, 2015 at 6:31 pm

        Well…if you compare most Americans to most (not all) Europeans….we certainly don’t eat right πŸ™‚

        • Lindsey
          March 27, 2015 at 4:02 pm

          Most nutritionists recommend eating healthy snacks throughout the day rather than three huge meals. I’m not saying this is healthier than how Europeans eat, but it’s certainly not UNhealthy or disgusting.

          What IS disgusting (and more likely what the Europeans you hear talk are referring to) is how many Americans binge on processed crap “food” in bulk quantities instead of eating moderate amounts of natural, healthy food.

  • Heide
    March 26, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    Heving a kid must be really hard. It’s good that you still take time to take care of yourself and try to eat healthy. I don’t have a kid and I barely eat healthy. Probably because of my work schedule. Most nights I don’t really eat dinner, I just eat chips, which are definitely not healthy, I know. I gotta change that habit.

    Stay Wonderful Always,
    Heide
    http://heidepadilla.blogspot.com/

  • Jessica
    March 26, 2015 at 9:21 pm

    Hi Jenna! Long time follower…quick question-have you ever thought about rebranding your blog? It’s obviously changed a lot over the years…would you update it to reflect the more current content? Thanks!

    • jenna
      March 27, 2015 at 6:35 am

      I think it’s actually been pretty consistent – I talk mainly about food and life, which is what I’ve always done. So, no…I don’t think so!

  • kristin | W [H] A T C H
    March 27, 2015 at 7:12 am

    i’ve never seen that eggplant hummus at my local TJs! i bet it’s delicious — i’m going to see if i can find it.

  • Amanda
    March 27, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Hi Jenna. I love your posts about life, food and most of all, Grayson! I am curious as to when you started solids and what made you choose solids over exclusively breastfeeding?

    • jenna
      March 27, 2015 at 11:09 am

      We started solids early, around 4 months, because Grayson was extremely interested in food. Our pediatrician okayed this and recommended we offer him a wide variety of different foods to try. He’s a great eater! We did start solids rather early – I think *most* wait until 6 months. Every baby is different and I’m certainly no expert – you should chat with your pediatrician πŸ™‚

  • Jen@jpabstfitness
    March 27, 2015 at 11:33 am

    Looks like our babies may be close in age, she will be 1 in a couple of weeks. She has become an eating machine lately, current favorite: strawberries.

  • Ashley Lomax
    March 27, 2015 at 3:41 pm

    Love this post! My newest snack is homemade chia drinks. It’s super easy and the little ones love them! Oh and toast…someone’s always running around with cold toast in their mouth lol

  • Morgan
    March 28, 2015 at 9:52 am

    I loved this post! Glad to see that glowing baby boy πŸ™‚

  • Hannah
    March 28, 2015 at 10:37 am

    Your son is just darling!!! I love his happy little face, and I can tell you are just such a great momma. Since you’ve gotten some requests for posts… Figured I’d chime in as well and request a post about feeding your boy solids!! My little bubba is 4 months and we are starting solids this week with him per our pediatrician’s approval and his obvious interest (and because really, food is fun and will add so much pleasure to his life!!), and I have loved the recipes you’ve posted here and there of baby foods you’ve made, but I’d love to hear more about your experiences with solid foods for Grayson πŸ™‚ And recipes are always a plus haha

  • Emily
    March 29, 2015 at 6:02 am

    Thanks so much for your post! It’s a good reminder for me and my family.

  • Brittany
    March 29, 2015 at 5:22 pm

    I feel like I need this post for snack ideas so that I am not wailing in my dining room share waiting for my food to defrost HAHA πŸ™ Great snack tips/ideas πŸ™‚

  • Anna
    March 30, 2015 at 3:55 am

    yummy!!! and your son is the cutest <3

    https://aspoonfulofnature.wordpress.com/

  • Nic G
    March 30, 2015 at 7:28 am

    This line mad me laugh out loud “That way I don’t have a kid in a high chair wailing at me while I chop up fruit…” I have 11 month old twin girls and I never remember to get meals ready until they are both in their highchairs literally banging on their trays and yelling at me. Ha! Their current favorite snacks are cantaloupe and shredded cheese.

  • Julie
    March 30, 2015 at 11:19 am

    Such good ideas!! I’ve been trying to eat fruits and veggies more for snacks, but have been stuck on apples and oranges. Not going to lie.. the picture of the energy balls at the end looked like meatballs and now I have a craving for them haha.

  • Mary
    March 30, 2015 at 11:29 am

    You inspired me. I spent a good part of yesterday cutting up pineapple and mangos for snacks for me and my kids. I love the encouragement. Thanks.

  • Jessica
    March 31, 2015 at 10:17 am

    Love your posts! Another thing I like to get my daughter is freeze dried organic blueberries, strawberries, and peas. They are so easy to give to her while I try to put together her dinner. I think she is about a month and a half younger than Grayson. They are expensive but very much worth it.

    I was wondering if you might be interested in posting some recipes for foods you make for Grayson? I’m in a rut regarding foods for my LO – she gets a lot of sweet potato fries (baked with no oil), steamed broccoli, etc but I’m at a loss for other finger foods. Thoughts???? (BTW, we can’t give her dairy or soy yet bc she had an allergy so any recipes that are dairy and soy free would be so very much appreciated)!

  • Coty and Mariah@quirksandtwists
    March 31, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    Loved reading about your go to snacks! It’s inspired me get to the store and re-stock with some healthy snacks!

  • Laurel
    March 31, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    You’ve got some great ideas here! I’ve been falling back into the ‘boxed snack’ category lately, which I’m not too happy about. I’m really looking forward to all the Spring and Summer produce that will give us lots of options!

  • Billie
    April 5, 2015 at 8:55 pm

    Long time reader here ;). I have ALWAYS loved the blog (hence still following it 5 or so years later). But I do miss your recipe posts!! I am a mama to 3 so I totally understand, just sayin’. Also, (trying to figure out the nicest way to state this), if you’re sponsored/paid by some of these companies transparency would be awesome. I know you wouldn’t accept things from clanked whom you don’t support or love, but it would still be great to know. Thanks !

  • Ingredient1
    April 8, 2015 at 9:59 am

    We love the Food For Life / Ezekiel sprouted products! Have you tried the free Ingredient1 app to discover new healthy foods based on your dietary preferences?!

  • Damon and Jo
    April 9, 2015 at 6:06 am

    This was our first blog post of yours and we’ve got two things to say: 1) your son is adorable and 2) you just made fruits and veggies look 500x more appetizing. Thanks for getting our morning started off right!

  • Rosie
    April 24, 2015 at 7:37 am

    Ooooh eggplant hummus! That looks/sounds amazing!! Great snack list! I usually snack on fresh fruit, smoothies, juices, seaweed, flackers, veggies & hummus, sunflower seeds, chia pudding, dried fruit, coconut milk yogurt & banana shakes! but i’m always looking for new grab & go type foods that are quick and effortless. One of my recent obsessions is Raw Revolution bars. They’re so delicious and super healthy! You can get them at whole foods or at shop.rawrev.com – highly recommended =)