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20 Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes {That Are Not Pumpkin Pie}

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Looking for pumpkin puree dessert recipes that are not pumpkin pie? Here are 20+ desserts from pumpkin cake to pumpkin bars to no-bake pumpkin desserts to choose from!

easy pumpkin dessert recipes not pumpkin pie

*Originally published November 2021. Updated Sept 2022*

Hi friends!

When you think of pumpkin recipes easy dessert is probably the first thing that comes to mind, right? Obviously, pumpkin pie is a classic dessert recipe. However, if you’re like me, you may not get all that excited about pumpkin pie. I think it’s just average.

Easy Pumpkin Dessert Recipes

The good news is, there are a lot of other dessert options out there that can give you the pumpkin flavor you love, just not in pumpkin pie form. That’s right- easy pumpkin dessert recipes come in all forms, from cookies to cheesecake to bars to no-bake desserts!

By choosing one of these pumpkin recipes, dessert is taken care of!

easy pumpkin dessert recipe with canned pumpkin - dairy-free pumpkin bars

Dairy-Free Pumpkin Bars

An easy pumpkin dessert recipe with canned pumpking, these Dairy-free Pumpkin Bars are so easy to whip up for a snack or dessert! They require just one bowl and one measuring cup! 

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin pie peanut butter cups

Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups

These homemade Pumpkin Pie Peanut Butter Cups are better than Reese’s for dessert and have a fun fall flavor twist! Make a batch today and keep them in the freezer to enjoy in the weeks ahead.

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting

Pumpkin Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

These pumpkin cookies are soft and fluffy and topped with an easy cream cheese frosting. One of the best easy pumpkin dessert recipes with canned pumpkin!

Grab the recipe!
canned pumpkin recipes - mini pumpkin cheesecakes

Mini Pumpkin Cheesecakes

If you’re looking for canned pumpkin recipes to make dessert you should try these! Bake them in muffin tins with Biscoff cookies for the crust!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin skillet cake

Pumpkin Skillet Cake

No mixing bowl required for this Pumpkin Skillet Cake! You can make the whole thing right in the skillet. Light, fluffy and easy to make, it’s the perfect fall dessert recipe!

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pumpkin puree dessert recipes - 3 layer pumpkin brownies

3 Layer Pumpkin Brownies

Add this to your arsenel of pumpkin puree dessert recipes. These 3 layer brownies are sure to impress! A rich chocolate brownie, a layer of pumpkin and topped off with chocolate frosting.

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin dessert recipes easy - pumpkin gingerbread

Pumpkin Gingerbread

Of the pumpkin dessert recipes easy enough for anyone to make, yet still a crowd-pleaser, this pumpkin gingerbread tops the list. Delicious gingerbread topped with maple pecan icing.

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin spice cracker toffee

Pumpkin Spice Cracker Toffee

An easy Fall dessert with a graham cracker base. It comes together quickly and is guaranteed to please a crowd.

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin lasagna

Pumpkin Lasagna

With layers of graham crackers, cream cheese, jello pudding and cool whip, this dessert lasagna is hard to resist!

Grab the recipe!
caramel pumpkin cheesecake dip - gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes

Caramel Pumpkin Cheesecake Dip

Looking for gluten free pumpkin dessert recipes? This cheesecake dip fits the bill! Serve it with your favorite gluten-free crackers or waffles for a fun treat!

Grab the recipe!
no bake pumpkin pie ice box cake

No Bake Pumpkin Pie Ice Box Cake

A pumpkin pie dessert recipe that’s easier than pumpkin pie? Try this No Bake Pumpkin Pie Ice Box Cake!

Grab the recipe!
easy pumpkin dessert recipes - pumpkin cheesecake trifle

Pumpkin Cheesecake Trifle

When it comes to super easy pumpkin dessert recipes, no bake recipes are a must try! This trifle has a delicious, no-bake pumpkin cheesecake filling, plus layers of a crunchy crumble and is topped with fresh whipped cream!

Grab the recipe!
vegan pumpkin dessert recipes - 20 minutes no bake vegan pumpkin cheesecake

20 Minute No Bake Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecake

This cheesecake is one of the best vegan pumpkin dessert recipes. Ready in 20 minutes, it doesn’t get much easier!

Grab a recipe!
canned pumpkin dessert recipes - pumpkin pecan bars

Pumpkin Pecan Bars

Canned pumpkin dessert recipes are endless! These Pumpkin Pecan Bars are made with a gingersnap crust, creamy pumpkin filling and a toffee topping!

Grab the recipe!
pumpkin bar dessert recipes - pumpkin pie bars

Pumpkin Pie Bars

One of the pumpkin bar dessert recipes you’ll want to try this year. It starts by using yellow cake mix so you know it’s simple!

Grab the recipe!
best canned pumpkin dessert recipes - pecan magic pumpkin bars

Pecan Magic Pumpkin Bars

One of the best canned pumpkin dessert recipes you’ll find. This one uses pumpkin pie filling with the spices already mixed in a for a quick and easy dessert everyone will love.

Grab the recipe!
vegan pumpkin dessert recipes- vegan pumpkin pie crumb bars

Vegan Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars

Need more vegan pumpkin dessert recipes? Try these Vegan Pumpkin Pie Crumb Bars! They have an oatmeal crust, a creamy pumpkin filling and an oat crumble on top!

Grab the recipe!
best pumpkin dessert recipes - pumpkin cake with yellow cake mix

Pumpkin Cake with Yellow Cake Mix

Easy pumpkin recipes for dessert can start with cake mix! Bake it in your favorite pan and add some cream cheese icing for a no-fail dessert!

Grab the recipe!
gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes - paleo pumpkin snickerdoodle cookie bars

Paleo Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cookie Bars

Gluten-free pumpkin dessert recipes are never lacking in flavor! These snickerdoodle cookie bars are grain-free, dairy-free and full of pumpkin flavor!

Grab the recipe!
easy canned pumpkin dessert recipes - Easy Pumpkin Pudding Cake

Easy Pumpkin Pudding Cake

Some easy canned pumpkin dessert recipes take just 10 minutes to put together! This pudding cake makes its own caramel sauce as it cooks and is guaranteed to be a favorite!

Grab the recipe!

If you’re looking to go beyond pumpkin pie this year, I hope this roundup of pumpkin dessert recipes gives you some good options!

Looking for easy dessert pumpkin recipes that are not pumpkin pie? Here are 25+ desserts from pumpkin cake to pumpkin bars to no-bake pumpkin desserts to choose from!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

15 Healthy Apple Dinner Recipes

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Have lots of extra apples? Here are 15 healthy apple dinner recipes. Add them to your meal plan for dinner this week or enjoy leftovers for lunch!

Collage of images of recipes using apples. Healthy Apple dinner Recipes

*Originally published Oct 2014. Updated September 2022*

Hi Friends!

I don’t know about you but I often find myself with a surplus of apples. Whether it’s after going apple-picking in the Fall or simply because they’re on sale at the store, I’m constantly looking for ways to use up this simple fruit.

Healthy Dinner Recipes with Apples

Luckily apples are super versatile and make a good addition to tons of recipes for any meal of the day! I’ve you’re looking specifically for breakfast recipes, try these 10 Healthy Ways to Eat Apples for Breakfast. 

And while a lot of people immediately think of apples for breakfast, snack or dessert, I’ve decided to think beyond breakfast!

These healthy apple dinner recipes will shake up your Fall menu and hopefully provide you with a few new family favorite recipes for years to come!

If you’re looking for a few of my favorite recipes using apples, try:

Vegetarian Apple Dinner Recipes

Most of the recipes highlighted below contain meat but apples are also the perfect addition to vegetarian dinner recipes. They are a great addition to Fall salads as they pair well with roasted squash, sweet potatoes and other Fall vegetables. They also add some sweetness to salsas and can be shredded and added to vegetarian patties or chopped and added to a hash with vegetarian sausage.

Chicken Apple Sausage Dinner Recipes

Fall is also a great time to take advantage of all of the chicken apple sausage variations out there. Most sausage brands now have a sweet apple chicken sausage variety that pairs well with eggs if you’re in the mood for breakfast for dinner or with noodles/tortellini and some cheese for a quick weeknight meal. You can also pair it with diced apples and broccoli or green beans for an easy sheet pan meal.

Dinner Recipes Using Apple Juice

And finally, we can’t talk about apples without also talking about apple juice! There are lots of dinner recipes using apple juice, including a few featured below. Apple juice is a great addition to a marinade or skillet dinner to help make a flavorful pan sauce.

Healthy Apple Dinner Recipes

apple dinner recipes - apple cheddar turkey meatballs

Apple Cheddar Turkey Meatballs

These Apple Cheddar Turkey Meatballs are kid-friendly and perfect for food prep! They’re full of flavor and make a great party appetizer or family dinner.

Grab the recipe!
apple cranberry mason jar salads - healthy apple recipes

Apple Cranberry Mason Jar Salads

Crunchy apples, sweet cranberries and chicken mixed with a homemade Greek Yogurt Poppy Seed Dressing. These would be perfect for dinner on the go as you’re driving kids to various practices and games. Or make a few for the week and enjoy them for lunch.

Grab the recipe!
maple mustard chicken and apple skillet

Maple Mustard Chicken & Apple Skillet

The perfect blend of sweet and savory with a slight tang from the mustard sauce! This skillet is packed with apples, sweet potatoes and chicken and a one-pan meal makes clean-up a breeze!

Grab the recipe!
Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad Image 7 1

Brussels Sprout Apple Goat Cheese Salad

This salad combines apples with shaved brussels sprouts, red onion, walanuts, goat cheese and more…all tossed in a balsamic dressing. Serve it as a side salad, add chicken and pack for lunch or serving at your next gathering.

Grab the recipe!
instant pot butternut squash soup with apples

Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup

An easy, creamy soup that’s packed with veggies and perfect as a dinner side dish or light meal. Serve it with your favorite grilled cheese & try adding apples to that too! Perfect for a cool Fall night.

Grab the recipe!
Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Apples and Pecans 4

Maple Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Turn your Brussels sprouts into a dish the whole family will love by adding apples and pecans! Throw some chicken sausage into the mix for a complete meal.

Grab the recipe!
harvest chicken skillet with sweet potato, apple and brussels sprouts

Harvest Chicken Skillet

All your favorite Fall vegetables, plus chicken for protein and apples for sweetness in one big skillet for a comforting, yet healthy Fall meal.

Grab the recipe
dinner recipes with apple s- apple chicken with bacon and potatoes

Apple Chicken with Bacon and Potatoes

A hearty Fall meal you’ll make over and over. Made in one skillet, it’s packed with spinach, bacon, potatoes, apples and chicken in a simple sauce.

Grab the recipe!
roasted squash Fall salad with apples, eggs, sweet potato, avocado and more!

Roasted Squash Fall Salad

This Roasted Squash Fall Salad is perfect for lunch or dinner. Packed with vegetables and protein, it’s full of flavor and easy to customize. A great way to enjoy seasonal produce! Keep it vegetarian or add your favorite meat or fish.

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apple cider dinner ecipes - apple cider chicken skillet

Apple Cider Chicken Skillet

Made with apples AND apple cider for that extra delicious Fall flavor. This simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.

Grab the recipe!
IMG 6927 Custom 1

Copycat Apple Pecan Chicken Salad

This salad is full of flavor and packed with things like apples, blue cheese, pecans and Craisins, all topped with an irresistible dressing.

Grab the recipe!
Apple brie stuffed chicken 5 1

Apple & Brie Stuffed Chicken

An easy skillet chicken recipe full of pelty cheese and tart green apples. Added bonus- you can use the juices to a make a simple sauce to spoon over the chicken.

Grab the recipe!
healthy green apple recipes - apple bacon cheddar quesadillas

Apple Bacon Cheddar Quesadillas

The perfect combination of sweet apple, salty bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Serve these for a quick and easy dinner or add some leftover chicken for extra protein!

Grab the recipe!
apple cheddar chicken melts

Apple Cheddar Chicken Melts

Make these on a baking sheet for a simple dinner at the end of a busy day. They’re filled with apples, chicken and cheese for an easy but very satisfying dinner – or lunch!

Grab the recipe!
dinner recipes with apple cider - sheet pan chicken and sweet potatoes

Sheet Pan Chicken & Sweet Potatoes

Everyone loves a sheet pan meal! This one mixes sweet apples with broccoli and sweet potatoes and everything is glazed with apple cider!

Grab the recipe!

What’s your favorite healthy apple dinner recipe?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

25 Best Read Aloud Chapter Books {Ages 5-9}

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Looking for the best read-aloud chapter books to read to your kids? Here are 25 interesting and engaging books your kids will love! Best for ages 5-9.

best read aloud chapter books for kindergarten

Hi friends!

Are you looking for read-alouds that your kids will actually enjoy? Books that feel like a fun adventure every time you crack open the cover? This list features more than two dozen chapter books we’ve read, adored, and that appeal to a wide range of ages and interests. 

You might remember I teamed up with my friend Paige for a previous book post. These are the next step beyond many of the books in our previous list of 100+ Chapter Book Series for Kids and feature longer chapters, fewer pictures, and more complex vocabulary. We’re confident that these books will help young kids grow in their love for reading while creating special memories of experiencing these stories together. 

Even if your child can read, research shows that continuing to read books to them can broaden their vocabulary, strengthen their ability to follow more intricate storylines, as well as boost feelings of empathy and connectedness. 

And if you can’t read with your kids every single day, it’s okay! Listening to audiobooks offers many of the same benefits for kids as being read to by an adult. We recommend using the free apps Libby and Hoopla and have also listed below which of these titles are currently available on Audible, Libro.fm, Scribd, and Yoto. (Those are referral links!)

And if you’re not already following Paige over on Instagram, be sure to do so! She’s a mama to 4 and shares practical and realistic life hacks, cooking tips and more!

If you’d like to see all the books in one place, you can find them in my Amazon shop (aff link). The links to Amazon listed below are also affiliate links. That means if you click them, we make a small amount of money at no additional cost to you! Thanks for supporting us!

Best Read Aloud Chapter Books For Kindergarten – 2nd Grade

Heartwood Hotel: A True home

Heartwood Hotel: A True Home

Heartwood Hotel is a charming series about a woodland hotel where a lovable cast of creatures seek refuge and along the way embark on adventures, face fears, overcome challenges, and discover the true meaning of friendship and home.

*Available from: Audible, Scribd and Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Stink the incredible shrinking kid chapter book

Stink

Second grader James “Stink” Moody is an energetic, curious, and imaginative second grader. He’ll take you on hilarious adventures from winning a life-time supply of jawbreakers, to riding a bus full of guinea pigs, to spending the night in an aquarium, and always has a valuable lesson to learn.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Fudge-a-mania by Judy blume

Fudge-A-Mania

While we wouldn’t recommend the entire series (due to swear words and other issues), Fudge-a-Mania stands out as a super-fun read aloud. The story follows the Hatcher family on their summer vacation to Maine and has many hysterical moments while also touching on poignant topics such as sibling rivalry, friendship, and family dynamics.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Appleblossom the possum - read aloud chapter books for kids

Appleblossom the Possum

Appleblossom is a young possum learning how to make her way in the world when she’s spying on a human family and–whoops!– tumbles down their chimney. A young girl inside discovers the marsupial and decides to make her her pet all while hiding her from her family (and dog!) as Appleblossom’s siblings embark on a mission to rescue their sister.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Charlie and the chooclate factory - read aloud chapter books for kindergarten

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

The famous tale of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory withstands the test of time and is worth reading with your kids. After finishing the book, make a date for a family viewing of the movie (we recommend the original version) while enjoying some favorite chocolate treats and you’ll create a simple and memorable experience everyone will treasure.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
the wild robot - best chapter book read alouds for second grade

The Wild Robot

Roz is a robot who finds herself abandoned on a remote island. She learns to survive by observing and mimicking the animals around her. Just as she’s making a comfortable home for herself and forging friendships (even adopting an orphan gosling), robots come looking to reclaim her. The series is a fascinating–and heartwarming–look at the intersection of technology and nature. Fair warning: there’s some violence toward the end.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Pippi Longstocking - chapter book

Pippi Longstocking

Pippi’s hijinks are just as hilarious as you may remember. Young Pippi lives alongside her pet monkey and horse in her ramshackle house. She befriends prim and proper siblings, Tommy and Annika, and invites them into her wild and outrageous–but always endearing–world.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Magic Treehouse chapter book series

The Magic Treehouse

Good news: if your kids fall in love with this series, there are approximately 674 books (okay, we’re kidding, but there are A LOT!) Siblings Jack and Annie discover a treehouse in the woods near their home that can transport them to different locations and time periods. Children will learn about history, geography, mythology, science, and more in each unique installment. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The World According to Humphrey

The World According to Humphrey

Class pet Humphrey spends each weekend with a different classmate’s family. Told from the perspective of the hamster himself, we learn about his observations of each family and the different adventures he encounters in their homes (thanks, in part, to a malfunctioning lock on the critter’s cage).

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Adventures of Nanny Piggins - best chapter books for 2nd grade read alouds

The Adventures of Nanny Piggins

What happens when a dad desperate to find childcare for his three kids hires a former flying circus pig as their nanny? Countless laugh-out-loud misadventures. And yet, Nanny Piggins always manages to return the children home safe, fed, and happy.

*Available from: Audible

Grab copy on Amazon!
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz chapter book

The Wizard of Oz

More than 120 years since it was first published, Dorothy, Toto and the entire cast of captivating characters continue to capture children’s (and adult’s) attention. There’s truly no place like Oz, so snuggle in and enjoy reliving this magical journey with your kids.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Upside Down Magic

Upside Down Magic

Nory Horace is preparing for her entrance exam to a school for kids with magical powers. There’s just one problem: Nory’s magic skills are a bit, well, mixed up. The series follows Nory and other classmates with wonky powers who discover that perhaps being different beats fitting in.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
chapter books to read to first graders - sideways stories from wayside school

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Sideways Stories reimagines what school might be like if everything were a little less normal and way more fun. Each chapter is an individual mini-story focused on a specific character and is guaranteed to have everyone in hysterics over the absurd mischief that ensues within the walls of the 30-story school.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Hotel Flamingo - best read aloud chapter books for kindergarten

Hotel Flamingo

Anna is the new owner of the once-grand, but now run-down Hotel Flamingo. This isn’t an ordinary hotel, of course–the staff and guests are all animals! Anna undertakes the enormous task of returning the hotel to its former glory and making it a place where every animal feels welcome and at home.

*Available from: Audible & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Mouse and the Motorcycle book

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

This book is a classic for a reason. What kid could resist an adventurous mouse who discovers a young boy’s toy motorcycle and is determined to ride it throughout his Mountain View Inn home, dodging countless obstacles along the way? 

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
A Boy Called Bat

A Boy Called Bat

Three cheers for this stunning series starring Bixby Alexander Tam (nickname: Bat), a young boy on the autism spectrum who adopts and cares for an abandoned skunk kit. (Luckily, Mom is a veterinarian). The book also adeptly addresses divorce in a thoughtful and compassionate way. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm, Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Toys Go Out book

Toys Go Out

What would happen if toys (and other objects) came alive when people weren’t looking? Well, this creative story imagines just that. The book follows Lumphy, a stuffed buffalo, Plastic, a red bouncy ball, Tuk Tuk, a towel and other loveable objects who face obstacles and learn valuable lessons that closely mirror what kids experience in real life.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Boxcar Children - best first chapter books to read aloud

The Boxcar Children

The four Alden children are orphaned and go to live with their kind and loving grandfather. Each story in this 150-plus book series revolves around a different engaging mystery that the Alden children must solve together. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Scribd

Grab a copy on Amazon!
The Very Very Far North

The Very Far North

This uplifting story of a young polar bear discovering his place and befriending every arctic animal that he encounters along the way is sure to melt your heart. At times the language may feel sophisticated, but it’s worth sticking with the story and falling in love with the warm and meaningful connections forged in the frigid far north.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Beezus and Ramona

Beezus and Ramona

Any kid with a younger sibling will be able to identify with 9-year-old Beezus who’s constantly exasperated by her 4-year-old little sister, Ramona. Meanwhile, Ramona’s antics–like inviting her entire preschool class to a party at her house without telling her family first–will amuse kids of all ages.

*Available from: Audible & Yoto

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Planet Omar - accidental trouble magnet

Planet Omar

Omar has recently moved to a new house and will be the new kid at school. He always tries to do the right thing, but his vivid imagination often lands him in trouble. This wonderful book has the potential to spark conversations on topics including cultural differences (Omar’s family is Muslim), bullying, friendship, and more. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto.

Read more
Skunk and Badger read aloud chapter book

Skunk and Badger

Serious, routine-loving Badger enjoys the peace and quiet of living alone in his brownstone until Skunk, who’s messy, noisy, and always causing a raucous, becomes his unlikely roommate (and, ultimately, his friend). This adorable book cleverly weaves humor and heart throughout its pages.

*Available from: Audible & Libro.fm

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Big Foot and Little Foot

Big Foot and Little Foot

Hugo is a young Sasquatch who dreams of adventure in the Big Wide World instead of remaining hidden in caves. (After all, the most important rule of Sasquatches is that they must never be seen by Humans.) Meanwhile, Hugo is a boy whose biggest wish is to meet–you guessed it—a Sasquatch. So what happens when this duo have an unexpected encounter? They join forces to chase after their curiosity and discover other mythical beasts like Ogopogos and Snoot-Nosed Gints. The adventure awaits! 

Grab a copy on Amazon!
Henry Huggins

Henry Huggins

Henry Huggins is an average kid living on Klickitat Street. He has a tendency to get into ridiculous situations such as buying some guppies at a pet store and ending up with a bedroom filled with jars of baby guppies. There’s nothing magical or extraordinary in these stories, but perhaps it’s Henry’s relatability (as well as his adorable adopted dog Ribsy) that hooks kids’ interest and will keep them asking for more.

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm, Scribd & Yoto

Read more
The BFG

The BFG

Roald Dahl is renowned for writing fantastical children’s fiction, but–at least in our opinions–not all are a fit for younger ages (Matilda and The Witches may too be scary for some, for instance). But the BFG, in which a girl named Sophie befriends a dream-making Big Friendly Giant, is a wonderful and memorable place to start. 

*Available from: Audible, Libro.fm & Yoto

Read more

Reminder that if you’re not already listening to audiobooks, you can check out these referral links to get started:

We hope this post gave you some new ideas!

Looking for the best read-aloud chapter books to read to your kids? Here are 25 interesting and engaging books your kids will love! Best for ages 5-8.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

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Looking for the best frozen chicken nuggets to choose for your family? Here are some healthy chicken nugget brands recommended by a Registered Dietitian.

best frozen chicken nuggets

Hi friends!

It’s time for the next post in our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Best Frozen Chicken Nuggets

Today we’re talking about the healthiest chicken nuggets available right now. Because who doesn’t have a bag of frozen chicken nuggets in their freezer for a quick dinner every couple of weeks? I know I do. Even with all of my food prep, there are still nights that get busy during the week with 3 kids and freezer staples like this have saved my sanity more than once!

are frozen chicken nuggets healthy?

Are frozen chicken nuggets healthy?

I get this question a lot as a dietitian so let’s talk about it. Are chicken nuggets something I recommend giving to your kids every single night? No. Because variety is important and ideally we don’t want nuggets to be the only kind of chicken your kids will eat. But they can be a good starting point for introducing meat to a lot of kids, especially more selective eaters. They can contain some unnecessary fillers and be high in sodium so it is something I suggest spending some time on to find a brand that’s a good fit for your family.

Remember to think about the meal as a whole when you’re serving chicken nuggets. Instead of serving with a side of fries, which can also be high in sodium, can you add some sliced fruit to the plate or a side smoothie made with frozen fruit? What about a side of baby carrots or some steamed veggies? By adding things like fruits and vegetables you can definitely make frozen chicken nuggets part of a balanced meal!

How to choose the best frozen chicken nuggets

Here are a few things to look for:

  • Look for chicken BREAST as the first ingredient. These varieties tend to be less processed that brands that say “white chicken meat”.
  • Veggie-filled isn’t always better. It might sound good to have veggies added but a lot of times the amount added isn’t even a full serving of vegetables so it doesn’t need to be your deciding factor.
  • Watch sodium levels. I tell people to aim for 450mg or less per serving but we also need to consider the frequency. If you’re eating frozen chicken nuggets once a month I’m less concerned with the amount of sodium than if you’re eating them twice a week.
  • Look for protein. Try to find brands that have at least 12 grams of protein per serving.
  • Look for light breading if possible. Sometimes nuggets are mostly breading with very little meat which makes them higher in carbs and lower in protein.
  • Consider the amount of fat but especially saturated fat. If i’m not serving nuggets all the time, I don’t worry a ton about the amount of fat, but I do look for brands low in saturated fat.
  • Note the serving size. Know how many nuggets are in a serving and serve that, along with some fruits and veggies for a balanced meal!

I’m going to share some of the brands i liked best IN STORES AROUND ME. I recognize that there are other brands available and also that the brands listed below might not be available to you. My hope is you can use some of the things I pointed out above to look at what’s available to you and make the best choice for you and your family.

If you’d prefer to see this content in video form, along with a taste test I did with my kids of 5 of the brands I recommend, check out the video below!

Best Chicken Nugget Brands

So here are some of my favorite chicken nugget brands that are available in stores around me. This is not a comprehensive list. I’m sure there are other options out there

Just Bare Chicken Chunks

just bare lightly breaded chicken breast chunks - best chicken nugget brands
  • Serving size: 3 ounces
  • Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 16g protein, 540mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast, water, seasoning (sugar, salt, spices including paprika and celery, chicken fat, spice extractive, canola oil, soybean oil), rice starch. Breaded with: wheat flour, sugar, salt, nonfat dry milk, dried egg whites, baking powder (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate, corn starch, monocalcium phosphate), spice, paprika. Breading set in vegetable oil.

These are available at Costco and this is what I buy for my kids. It’s a little higher in sodium but still a good option for occasional dinners.

KidFresh White Meat Chicken Nuggets

kidfresh white meat chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 5 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 4g fat, 0.5g saturated fat, 12g protein, 250mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Whole Wheat Flour, Water, Pureed Cauliflower, Pureed Onions, Unbleached Wheat Flour, Salt, Corn Starch, Yellow Corn Flour, Rice Starch, Yeast, Flavors, Molasses, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Baking Soda), Whole Grain Millet Flour, Sea Salt. Browned in expeller pressed Canola Oil.

Perdue Lightly Breaded Chicken Chunks

perdue lightly breaded chicken breast chunks - healthy chicken nugget brands
  • Serving size: 3 ounces
  • Nutrition info: 6g fat, 1g saturated fat, 15g protein, 400mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Boneless skinless chicken breast with rib meat, water, wheat flour. Contains 2% or less of salt, dried garlic, sugar, wheat gluten, brown sugar, yeast, yeast extract, spice, paprika extract, onion powder, garlic powder.

Perdue has a lot of options. I like their lightly breaded options best.

Earth’s Best Chicken Nuggets for Kids

earth's best chicken nuggets for kids
  • Serving size: 4 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 9g fat, 1g saturated fat, 6g protein, 160mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast Meat, Breading (Whole Wheat Flour, Corn Starch, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Yeast, Onion Powder, Spices, Sunflower Oil), Canola Oil, Batter (Whole Wheat Flour, Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Leavening [Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar], Garlic Powder, Evaporated Cane Sugar, Onion Powder, Spice, Sunflower Oil, Extractives of Turmeric), Wheat Flour, Rice Starch, Water, Garlic and Onion Powders, Sea Salt, Spice.

Because of the small serving size, these might be better for/geared more towards toddlers and younger kids.

Applegate Chicken Nuggets

applegate
  • Serving size: 6 nuggets
  • Nutrition Info: 9g fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 12g protein, 350mg sodium
  • Ingredients: White Meat Chicken, Wheat Flour, Water, Rice Flour. Contains Less Than 2% Of The Following: Sea Salt, Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Cane Sugar, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Yeast, Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil, Expeller Pressed Canola Oil, Breading Set in Expeller Pressed Canola Oil

They also have gluten-free and organic varieties that are good options if that’s what you’re looking for. I’ve personally eaten the gluten-free version and they taste just like the regular ones!

If you’re looking for gluten-free options, here are a few:

Best Store-Bought Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

In addition, there are a lot of gluten-free options out there. In many cases, the gluten-free versions taste just like regular and the main swap is just rice flour for wheat flour in the breading so I still recommend focusing on the nutrition info I pointed out at the beginning of this post. And you don’t need to follow a gluten-free diet to enjoy these brands. My youngest prefers the Golden Platter brand shown below over many other options out there and he does not follow a gluten-free diet.

Caulipower Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders

caulipower gluten-free chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 3oz (approx 2 tenders)
  • Nutrition info: 1.5g fat, 14g protein, 370mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Water, Rice Flour, Dried Cauliflower, Brown Rice Flour. Contains 2% Or Less of The Following: Tapioca Starch, Salt, Seasoning (Chicken Broth, Natural Flavor), Organic Corn Starch, Rice Starch, Organic Yellow Corn Flour, Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Leavening (Cream of Tartar, Sodium Bicarbonate), Onion Powder, Spices, Paprika, Lactic Acid Powder, Calcium Lactate, Torula Yeast, Extractives Of Paprika.

Golden Platter Gluten-Free Chicken Nuggets

golden platter gluten-free chicken nuggets
  • Serving size: 4 nuggets
  • Nutrition info: 8g fat, 1.5g saturated fat, 15g protein, 350mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Chicken breast meat, water, rice starch, sea salt. Breaded with: Yellow corn flour, rice flour, water, yellow corn meal, rice starch, corn starch, sea salt, dextrose, garlic powder, onion powder, spice, yeast extract, breading set in non-hydrogenated soybean oil.

These are also available at Costco.

Plant-Based Chicken Nuggets

I’m not going to dive into plant-based options in this post but there are certainly a lot of them out there. Based on reading a few reviews, you could try:

Healthiest Chicken Nuggets

So which are the healthiest chicken nuggets? There’s not one brand that I would recommend 100% over others because I think there are several good options out there. All in all, I think the biggest things to consider are frequency of eating, amount of sodium and saturated fat and paying attention to the serving size so that you can be aware of whether you’re actually eating more than one serving. More than one serving is fine but it also means you’d be consuming more than what’s listed in one serving on the label for sodium, fat etc. so it’s important to be aware of.

Best Chicken Nuggets for Kids

Looking for the best frozen chicken nuggets to choose for your family? Here are some healthy chicken nugget brands recommended by a Registered Dietitian.

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Best Healthy Store Bought Bread

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Are you looking for the best healthy store bought bread? Here are some tips and things to consider from a Registered Dietitian. Plus my top picks!

Healthy Store Bought Bread Options

healthy store bought bread options

Hi friends!

We’re continuing our best store-bought options series. So far we’ve covered:

Today we’re talking about bread. I frequently get requests for bread recommendations and I totally get it! The bread aisle is huge and overwhelming and with so many options available, it’s hard to know which is the best choice.

First, we’re going to talk about a few different aspects of bread that you should consider when choosing which will work for your family. Aside from the nutritional aspect, you also have to consider whether you, or your kids, will eat it. Because it doesn’t matter how much protein and fiber is packed in there if your kids refuse to eat it, right?

So let’s get started.

What Bread Is Healthy

When deciding what bread is healthy and choosing a bread for you and your family, here are a few things to consider. As a Registered Dietitian, I look at things like:

  • ingredients
  • added sugar
  • protein and fiber
  • portion size
whole wheat bread - choosing a healthy bread

Choosing A Healthy Bread

I generally recommend choosing whole grain bread. Look for the word WHOLE as the first ingredient. This is important! Just because it says wheat flour does not mean WHOLE wheat flour was used.

Also aim to avoid partially hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup on the ingredient list.

added sugar in bread

Added Sugar in bread

Bread can be a big source of added sugar and one that people don’t always think about. I suggest aiming for 2-3 grams or less per slice. Also, consider whether you’ll be eating one slice or two and how many slices the info on the nutrition label is for.

Some brands like Dave’s Killer Bread have varieties that have 4-5 grams of added sugar per slice. If you’re eating two slices you’re getting 10 grams of added sugar at that meal just from the bread.

protein and fiber in bread

Protein and fiber in bread

Aim to find a bread that has at least some protein and fiber. I suggest looking for at least 2-3 grams of fiber and at least 3 grams of protein per slice. If you choose white bread, know that it is enriched to add vitamins and minerals back in but will likely be lower in fiber than whole wheat options. Look for one that’s low in sodium and added sugar and higher in fiber if you can find it.

Something like Brownberry Oat Nut is white in appearance but has 4 grams protein and 2 grams fiber per slice, which is good…but it also has 3 grams of added sugar per slice. So there are a lot of factors to consider! Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right is another option.

thin sliced healthy store bought bread options

Best Bread For Kids

When it comes to portion size, many companies now have thin-sliced options. This is great for most people, especially kids. They are often lower in added sugar because the amount of bread is smaller but still can have a decent amount of fiber and protein.

So let me share a few of my favorite options in the stores around me:

Healthy Bread Brands

natures own whole wheat bread and sara lee whole wheat bread

Nature’s Own & Sara Lee

  • Nature’s Own 100% Whole Wheat – 60 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar
  • Sara Lee 100% Whole Wheat– 60 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 1g added sugar

These are some of the most economical options at my grocery store that still have a decent amount of protein and fiber per slice and are low in added sugar.

pepperidge farm healthy bread options

Pepperidge Farm

  • Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat– 120 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Pepperidge Farm 100% Whole Wheat Thin Sliced – 65 cal, 3.5g protein, 2g fiber, 1.5g added sugar *one slice
  • Pepperidge Farm Whole Grain Oatmeal – 110 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar

Their thin sliced loaves give the nutrition info for 2 slices so the info above for the thin sliced is half of what’s listed on the label to reflect one slice.

brownberry whole wheat and brownberry oatnut bread

Brownberry/Arnold/Orowheat

  • Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat – 110 cal, 4g protein, 3g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Brownberry 100% Whole Wheat Small Slice- 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Brownberry Oatnut – 120 cal, 4g protein, 2g fiber, 3g added sugar
  • Brownberry Oatnut Small Slice– 80 cal, 3g protein, 1g fiber, 2g added sugar

This company is known as Brownberry in the midwest, Arnold in the east and Orowheat in the west.

daves killer bread best bread choices

Dave’s Killer Bread

Has some great options but can be expensive:

  • Dave’s Killer Bread Good Seed Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 3g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread 100% whole wheat Thin Sliced – 70 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread Powerseed – 100 cal, 5g protein, 4g fiber, 1g added sugar
  • Dave’s Killer Bread White Done Right – 110 cal, 3g protein, 2g fiber, 2g added sugar

Some of their other options are higher in added sugar- 4 or 5 grams added sugar PER SLICE.

ezekial sprouted bread

Ezekial Sprouted Bread

  • Ezekial Sprouted Whole Grain (or sprouted sesame) – 80 cal, 5g protein, 3g fiber, 0g added sugar
  • Silver Hills Sprouted is another great sprouted option if you can find it near you!

Honey Wheat Bread

These still have some protein but tend to be lower in fiber so just keep that in mind. Look for low added sugar and try to pack some nutrients into whatever you’re putting on the bread. Some examples:

  • Nature’s Own Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 3g protein, less than 1g fiber, 2g added sugar
  • Sara Lee Honey Wheat – 70 cal, 2g protein, less than 1g fiber, 1g sugar

So what’s my pick? I’m actually switching my kids to Nature’s Own 100% whole wheat. It’s cheaper than what we’ve been buying, has less added sugar and my kids actually didn’t mind eating it when I did a taste test with them!

Hope this was helpful! Just remember to pay attention to how much added sugar is in the bread you’re choosing and look for brands with some protein and fiber!

Are you looking for the best healthy store bought bread? Here are some tips and things to consider from a Registered Dietitian. Plus my top picks!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes

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These Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes are perfect for getting into the kitchen with your kids. They’re packed with vegetables, legumes, beans and more for healthy snacks the kids will love!

Round-up of 20 Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes

Hi friends!

This round-up of kid-friendly baking recipes is another post that has been on my list for a while now. If you’ve been following for a while, you know I’m a big fan of boosting the nutrient content of your baked goods. I’m constantly adding vegetables, nuts and seeds, beans and legumes and more to my muffins, bars and cookies. And guess what? Kids love them!

Healthy Baking Recipes

I thought it might be handy to put all of my nutrient-packed baked good recipe links in one place so you can browse them! Here are almost 30 healthy baking recipes to get you started. That means you can grab your kids and head to the kitchen to make a new snack each week for the next several months. These recipes are also great for getting in the kitchen with kids! Many are made in a food processor and they can just dump everything in and blend! This Cuisinart 11 cup food processor is probably my favorite kitchen appliance (aff link).

Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes

These Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes are perfect for getting into the kitchen with your kids. They're packed with vegetables, legumes, beans and more for healthy snacks the kids will love!

Here are links to all the recipes:

Healthy Lentil Recipes

Healthy Baking Recipes With Beans

Healthy Zucchini Recipes

  1. Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins
  2. Zucchini Oat Bars
  3. Zucchini Carrot Brownies

Healthy Carrot Recipes

Healthy Sweet Potato Baking Recipes

  1. Sweet Potato Protein Cookies
  2. Sweet Potato Banana Bites
  3. GF Sweet Potato Brownies

Healthy Pumpkin Recipes

Other Healthy Baking Recipes

There you have it! Work your way through this list with one recipe a week and you’ll be set for the next several months! Oh, and if you’re more of a physical paper copy kinda person, I got you!

Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes free PDF

 I took all the recipes and put them into a PDF that you can grab for free! Just drop your email in the box below and you’ll immediately get a free eight-page PDF with all 28 recipes.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Tater Tot Waffles

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These Tater Tot Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect any time of day! Enjoy them for breakfast, pack them in a lunch box or make them for a quick dinner on a busy night.

tater tot waffles

Thanks to the Ohio Beef Council for sponsoring this post.

Hi friends!

I’m so excited to share these Tater Tot Waffles with you guys today. I tested them a few weeks ago and when I shared a sneak peek on Instagram a lot of you were excited for the recipe.

My kids are headed back to school this week and I’ve already started my list of quick & easy dinners that I can make on busy nights this Fall. I’m also always on the hunt for new foods that pack well in lunc boxes. These tater tot waffles fit the bill on both counts!

Kid-friendly Beef Recipes

Let’s talk a little about why beef can be a great addition to your kid’s diet. As a Registered Dietitian, I’m constantly talking about the benefits of protein. It helps keep you full and focused between meals and beef in particular is packed with protein as well as nutrients like iron and zinc which aid in brain development and cognition. My kids are busy and active and I love that the protein in beef helps them build muscles and provides them with important B vitamins!

So I was super excited to partner with the Ohio Beef Council to develop a couple of kid-friendly, family-friendly recipes featuring beef. There are over 17,000 beef farms here in Ohio. If you’re interested in how your beef gets from pasture to plate, including how the farmers care for their animals and protect the environment, you can find more info here: Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.

tater tots in waffle iron

How to Cook Tater Tots In Waffle Iron

If you’ve followed along for a while, you may remember that Egg Waffles are a big hit in my house. We also make Waffle French Toast a lot! But these Tater Tot Waffles just might be the new favorite. All my kids, especially the younger two, liked them! And they’re honestly so easy to make. Just mix a few ingredients together in a bowl, then scoop some of the mixture onto waffle iron and cook until they’re crispy golden brown.

The key to how to cook tater tots in a waffle iron is to defrost them first. They won’t cook well if they’re still frozen! You can defrost them in the fridge or simply microwave them.

Ingredients for Tater Tot Waffles

So here are the ingredients you need:

  • Ground beef -Simply cook and season with a little paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. This can be done a day or two ahead of time.
  • Shredded cheese – I use Colby Jack but cheddar would also be good!
  • Eggs
  • Tater tots – just grab a bag from the freezer section at the grocery store

That’s it!

tater tot waffle in lunch box with ketchup, crackers and fruit

Ground Beef Cooking Tips

When I asked which type of beef you guys were most interested in recipes for, ground beef was overwhelmingly the winner! This is no surprise because ground beef is super versatile. It’s easy to stock up on ground beef when it goes on sale and freeze it for later. You can freeze beef in its original packaging for up to two weeks. For longer storage, wrap in heavy-duty aluminum foil or place in plastic freezer bags, removing as much air as possible.

When purchasing, be sure to select ground beef with a bright, red color that is firm to the touch and doesn’t have excess liquid in the package. Store ground beef in your refrigerator for 1-2 days, or in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

Are hash browns and tater tots the same?

Since they’re very similar, just slightly different shapes and cooking methods, I think either would work for this recipe, but I have not tried it with hash browns.

Tater Tot Waffles Recipe

Print

Tater Tot Waffles

tater tot waffles
Print Recipe

These Tater Tot Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect any time of day! Enjoy them for breakfast, pack them in a lunch box or make them for a quick dinner on a busy night.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Yield: 4 waffles 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef (I use 85/15. Approx 2 cups cooked)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp salt and pepper
2 cups shredded cheese (I use Colby Jack)
4 servings tater tots (approx 10 tater tots per serving)
4 eggs

Instructions

  1. Thaw tater tots. The quickest way to do this is in the microwave but you can also thaw in the refrigerator. They need to be soft enough smash.
  2. Cook ground beef, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper in a pan over medium heat. Drain cooked beef onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess grease.
  3. Place thawed tater tots in a bowl and smash well with a potato masher.
  4. Add cooked ground beef, shredded cheese and eggs and stir until well combined.
  5. On a greased waffle iron, add approximately 1 cup of the beef mixture. Use a fork to spread out the mixture to cover the bottom of the waffle iron and close the lid.
  6. Cook 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Carefully remove with a spatula and serve with ketchup!

Notes

You should be able to substitute hash browns for tater tots but I haven’t tried it myself.

Pretty easy right?! I can’t wait to hear how you like them!

These Tater Tot Waffles are kid-friendly and perfect any time of day! Enjoy them for breakfast, pack them in a lunch box or make them for a quick dinner on a busy night.

Let me know if you try them.

Visit www.OhioBeef.org, and follow the Ohio Beef Council on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for beef nutrition facts, cooking tips, recipes and to meet Ohio’s beef farming families. Use #OhioBeef to share photos of your healthy meals this school year!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Mac and Cheese (Boxed)

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Looking for the best boxed mac and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy store bought mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus a kids taste test!

best mac and cheese boxed

Hi friends!

Today we’re continuing our “Best of” series by talking about macaroni and cheese. So far we’ve covered:

So be sure to catch up on those posts if you missed them!

When it comes to boxed mac and cheese, my biggest concern is sodium. Some brands, especially the deluxe versions, have 1,000+ mg of sodium per serving, which is way more than necessary. While I don’t recommend packaged mac and cheese as an everyday food, it’s certainly something my kids have for dinner occasionally.

When I’m picking out which brand to buy, I look for the lowest sodium per serving that I can find, and I’d also love for there to be a decent amount of both protein and fiber.

The problem is that some of the brands that are higher in both protein and fiber are not always a hit with my kids.

So after looking at a lot of mac and cheese boxes, I decided to do a taste test with my kids (ages 7, 5 & 3) to see which ones they would actually eat.

I chose two classics: Kraft and Annie’s Original. I also chose two that were higher in fiber & protein: Banza and Goodle. Then I threw in an Annie’s Vegan option and Annie’s 25% reduced sodium. Here’s the video of their taste test:

Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

Let’s look at these six options I chose for the taste test in a little more detail. Note- I’m sure there are other great options. I tried to stick to brands that were widely available in the two grocery stores by my house, not specialty stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s etc.

boxed macaroni and cheese

Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

  • 9 grams of protein
  • 2 grams of fiber
  • 560 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it
high protein gliuten free macaroni and cheese

Banza Mac & Cheese (Made w/ chickpea pasta)

  • 15 grams protein
  • 5 grams fiber
  • 640 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
high fiber macaroni and cheese

Goodles (found at Target)

  • 14 grams protein
  • 6 grams fiber
  • 590 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
vegan macaroni and cheese

Annie’s Vegan Mac (Red Lentil Spirals)

  • 11 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 240 mg sodium
  • Kids didn’t like it
lower sodium macaroni and cheese

Annie’s 25% Less Sodium

  • 10 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber
  • 400 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it
healthiest macaroni and cheese

Annie’s Original Macaroni & Classic Cheddar

  • 9 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 430 mg sodium
  • Kids liked it

Don’t be fooled by the marketing like I was! I thought the Annie’s 25% less sodium meant 25% less than their original but it actually says 25% less than the leading brand and it only has 30mg less than the original Annies!

Best Boxed Mac and Cheese

So what’s my pick as a Registered Dietitian to feed my kids?

best boxed macaroni and cheese for kids

Overall I choose Annie’s. Either the 25% less sodium or the original – both have the lowest amount of sodium I found. They also have several organic options that are widely available if that’s important to you!

I love that Banza and Goodle are higher in both protein and fiber. Despite them also being higher in sodium, I still think they’re good options if your kids will eat them!

How To Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Better

  • Choose one with 500mg sodium or less per serving
  • Try not using the whole packet of cheese
  • Mix in Greek yogurt instead of butter for extra protein
  • Look for whole wheat, whole grain or alternative noodle options for more fiber

Boxed Mac and Cheese Hacks

  • To make it creamier, try using Greek yogurt. You can either add it right along with the milk instead of butter, or you can skip the milk and try just adding Greek yogurt. Adding less milk also makes it thicker and creamier.
  • To turn it into a full meal, try adding leftover cooked chicken or some chicken sausage. You can also add cooked vegetables. One easy hack is to add some frozen peas to the water for the last few minutes of cooking the noodles.
  • For a different cheese flavor, try using half the packet of cheese and mixing in some shredded cheese of your own.
  • Try putting your own spin on it! Want pizza mac? Grab some white cheddar boxed mac, put it in a pan, top with a little pizza sauce, pepperoni and shredded mozzarella and broil for a couple minutes.
  • Add some spices. Try mixing in a little garlic powder or paprika when you add the cheese.

Boxed Mac & Cheese Baked

Want to fool a crowd? Make boxed mac and cheese as directed, add any mix-ins you want, then put it in a baking pan, top with some extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and bake at 350 degrees Faherenheit for 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted.

Looking for the best store-bought macaroni and cheese? Here are some picks for healthy mac and cheese from a Registered Dietitian. Plus I had my kids do a taste test!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay—

Healthy Crackers For Kids | And Adults!

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Looking for healthy crackers for kids? Here are some of the healthiest crackers for both kids and adults! Plus crackers I like as a Registered Dietitian.

Healthy Crackers For Kids and Adults

Hi friends!

So far we’ve talked about Low Added Sugar Yogurts, I’ve shared some Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars and we’ve talked about Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids. To we’re going to talk about crackers.

Some of my favorite crackers are included in this Healthy Snacks At Costco post as well as in this post where I share 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids. Be sure to check those out as well!

Are Crackers Healthy?

As a Registered Dietitian, I get asked a lot “are crackers healthy?” I’m here to tell you they CAN be! Some of the benefits of crackers can include:

  • They can provide a serving of whole grains
  • They can help kids (and adults) eat other nutritious foods like peanut butter, turkey, chicken salad, bean dip, cheese and more!
  • They can provide carbs that can be used for energy.
  • They can be a source of protein and fiber.

Many cracker options made with nuts, seeds and whole grains can be part of a substantial meal or snack.

What about the less healthy crackers?

But guess what? Along with some of the more substantial crackers, there are also a lot of crackers out there that don’t provide a whole lot of nutritional value. They’re low in protein and fiber, they’re not made with whole grains or nuts and seeds, and yet I believe they can still be part of a balanced diet! There are a lot of factors at play when I comes to picking the best crackers for you and your family. Let’s consider a few:

  • Maybe you’d like to buy a cracker like Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers but the price is too high and you can’t afford them regularly.
  • Maybe there’s a nut allergy or a school nut restriction that you have to work with so you can’t have some of the nut-based crackers that tend to be higher in protein and fiber.
  • Maybe your kids are too young to eat some of the crunchier crackers without them being a choking hazard.
  • Maybe you buy less nutrient-dense options because they’re the ones your kids eat and they help your kids eat other more nutrient-dense foods.
  • And maybe you believe all foods fit and you buy crackers because your kids enjoy eating them. You focus on feeding them a well-balanced diet and recognize that some foods are eaten for enjoyment, not nutrients!

If any of those apply to you, don’t feel bad about the crackers you’re feeding your family! I’m a Registered Dietitian with three kids and if you looked in my pantry on any given day you would see

  • Simple Mills
  • RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers
  • Wheat Thins
  • Goldfish
  • Graham crackers

Here’s a video recap of some crackers I like and some crackers I have on hand in my pantry on any given day!

Which are the healthiest crackers for snacks?

If you are looking for a nutrient-dense cracker option to try, here are some guidelines:

  • Look for crackers made with whole grains, oats, brown rice, nuts and seeds.
  • Look for crackers with at least 2-3 grams of fiber.
  • Watch the sodium levels. Lower is better since most people consume a large amount of sodium each day. Aim for 150mg or less per serving.
  • Aim for low added sugar.
  • Don’t be tricked by the words on the box. Often whole wheat or multigrain options are minimally different than the original versions when it comes to crackers. Check the label!

Healthy Crackers For Snacks

Here are some of my favorite options:

healthy crackers - simple mills almond flour crackers

Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers

  • 3 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber
  • 230 mg sodium (this is a bit high)
  • Available at Costco!
  • Ingredients in the sea salt version: Nut and Seed Flour Blend (Almonds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds), Tapioca, Cassava, Organic Sunflower Oil, Sea Salt, Organic Onion, Organic Garlic, Rosemary Extract (For Freshness)
  • They also have a seed flour cracker line.
healthy cracker for snacks - RW Garcia sweet potato crackers

RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers

  • 2 grams protein
  • 1 gram fiber
  • 50 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: stone ground yellow corn, sweet potato, sunflower or corn oil, flax seeds, black sesame seeds, chia seeds, sea salt
  • Available at Costco!
  • They have other flavors like beet, lentil turmeric and kale
healthy crackers for kids - triscuit thin crips

Triscuit Thin Crisps (or regular)

  • 3 grams protein
  • 4 grams fiber
  • 170 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Whole grain wheat, canola oil, sea salt.
  • Regular Triscuits are fine! They’re just thicker and crunchier and can be harder for kids to eat!
best healthy crackers - mary's gone crackers

Mary’s Gone Crackers

  • 4 grams protein
  • 3 grams fiber
  • 180 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Organic whole grain brown rice, organic whole grain quinoa, organic brown flax seeds, organic brown sesame seeds, filtered water, sea salt, organic wheat-free tamari (water, organic whole soybeans, salt, organic vinegar). Contains soy.
  • They also have a line of Super Seed Crackers

healthy crackers for toddlers - annie's white cheddar bunnies

Annie’s White Cheddar Bunnies

  • 3 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber (the white cheddar bunnies have more fiber than regular)
  • 150 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Organic Wheat Flour, Organic Expeller-Pressed Sunflower Oil, Organic Cheddar Cheese (pasteurized organic milk, cheese cultures, salt, non-animal enzymes), Organic Dried Cheddar Cheese (organic cultured milk, salt, non-animal enzymes), Organic Whey, Salt, Organic Nonfat Dry Milk, Organic Yeast, Leavening (monocalcium phosphate, baking soda), Organic Paprika, Organic Onion Powder, Organic Cane Sugar, Organic Celery Seed, Non-Animal Enzymes.
healthiest cracker snacks - Crunchmaster

Crunchmaster

  • 3 grams protein
  • 2 grams fiber
  • 150 mg sodium
  • Ingredients: Brown Rice Flour, Sesame Seeds, Potato Starch, Flax Seeds, Olive Oil, Amaranth Seeds, Quinoa, Salt, Tamari Soy Sauce Powder (Tamari Soy Sauce [Soybeans, Salt], Maltodextrin, Salt).
  • One of the few crackers made with olive oil vs other oils

What’s in the more “kid-friendly” crackers

Let’s take a look at a few of the more popular crackers that kids tend to like, such as Ritz, Wheat Thins and Goldfish. Sometimes we choose crackers for nutrients like protein, fiber, etc. Sometimes we choose crackers as a source of carbs to give us energy because they’re a good vehicle for other nutrient-dense foods or just because they’re fun to eat! A few things to point out.

kids crackers -ritz

Ritz

Don’t be fooled by marketing. Don’t grab the baked with whole wheat ritz option because you think they’re so much better than the original. If you compare the labels, the original on top, you can see they both only have 1 gram of protein and fiber and the same first ingredient (unbleached enriched flour). The baked with whole wheat just adds a little whole grain wheat flour but the effect is negligible. They both also contain high fructose corn syrup.

This is a similar issue in Club crackers – the multigrain Club crackers might sound healthy because of the word multigrain but they have 2g added sugar, no fiber and less than one gram of protein.

healthy whole grain crackers - wheat thins

Wheat Thins

I give my kids wheat thins. I like that they have 2 grams protein and 3 grams fiber and that the first ingredient is whole grain wheat flour. They also help my kids eat things like guacamole, turkey and cheese, etc – things they wouldn’t generally eat plain. Wheat Thins also have 4 grams of added sugar. While that’s not ideal for crackers, it can still fit into a balanced diet, especially if you pair them with more nutrient-dense foods that are low in added sugar.

crackers for kids - goldfish

Goldfish

A good reminder that eating is for both nutrition and enjoyment. Goldfish have a little protein, not a lot of fiber, they’re a little high in sodium but guess what? They’re also fun to eat! And kids love them. While they’re not adding a lot of nutritional value, they’re still fine to eat occasionally for fun!

I hope this was helpful! Your main takeaway should be that crackers can serve a variety of purposes. Sometimes it’s about nutrition and sometimes it’s about fun! Finding a balance is key!

healthy crackers 1

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Best Low Sugar Yogurt | 7g Added Sugar or Less!

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Here are 5 of the best low sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

best low sugar yogurt options

Hi friends!

I have been working on a new snack series! If you want some ideas for healthy store-bought granola bars, Costco snacks or low sugar cereals, you can check find more info in the following videos and blog posts:

Today we’re talking about yogurt. Yogurt is kid-friendly, an easy protein source and can be a great addition to a balanced diet. However, if you’re not careful, it can easily fall into the dessert category based on the large amounts of sugar that is often added to it.

Best Low Sugar Yogurt

So what low-sugar yogurts are best? I went to Meijer and Kroger to find some options for you! Here are five options that have 7 grams of added sugar or less. Watch the video for an overview, or scroll down to see the options:

Here are the five options I found:

oikos low sugar greek yogurt

Oikos Blended – Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 13 grams protein
  • 0 grams fat

Ingredients in the strawberry flavor: cultured non fat milk, strawberries, cane sugar, water, contains less than 1% of: pectin, natural flavors, fruit and vegetable juice concentrate and beta carotene (for color, vitamin D3.

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

Chobani Less Sugar Greek Yogurt

  • 5 grams added sugar
  • 12 grams protein
  • 3 grams fat

Ingredients in Vanilla: Cultured lowfat milk, water, cane sugar, natural flavors, fruit pectin, guar gum, cinnamon, locust bean gum, vanilla extract, lemon juice concentrate.

Fage Total Low Sugar Yogurt

Fage Total Split Cup – Low Sugar Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 12 grams protein
  • 2.5 grams fat

Ingredients: STRAINED YOGURT: Grade A Pasteurized Skimmed Milk and Cream, Live Active Yogurt Cultures (L. Bulgaricus, S. Thermophilus, L. Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Casei).

STRAWBERRY FRUIT PREPARATION: Strawberries, Cane Sugar, Water, Corn Starch, Contains 2% or less of: Strawberry Juice Concentrate, Lemon Juice Concentrate, Natural Flavors, Fruit Pectin. 

siggis low sugar yogurt

Siggi’s Yogurt With Low Sugar

  • 6 grams added sugar
  • 15 grams protein
  • 2.5 grams fat (there’s also a whole milk version)

Ingredients in black cherry: Pasteurized Skim Milk, Pasteurized Cream, Cherries, Cane Sugar, Fruit Pectin, Live Active Cultures

Icelandic Provisions low sugar yogurt

Icelandic Provisions Low Sugar Yogurt

  • 7 grams added sugar
  • 15 grams protein
  • 2 grams fat

Ingredients in strawberry: Skyr (Pasteurized Low-Fat Milk, Live and Active Cultures), Fruit (Strawberries, Lingonberries), Cane Sugar, Natural Flavors, Pectin, Carob Bean Gum, Fruit and Vegetable Juice Concentrate (For Color)

Low Sugar Greek Yogurt

What’s the difference between greek yogurt and regular yogurt? Greek yogurt is strained after it’s fermented to remove the whey and make it thicker. Skyr is similar to Greek yogurt in that it’s strained, often longer than Greek yogurt, making it even thicker. Greek yogurt can have fewer carbs and less sugar, while also having more protein than regular yogurt. For all varieties there are whole milk and lower fat options. Skyr is usually made with skim milk and can have even more protein than Greek yogurt.

Kids Taste Test Yogurt with Low Sugar

While low sugar options are great, we still need kids to enjoy them! I did a little taste test with my kids where they tasted the 5 options listed above, plus a higher sugar option and one sweetened with stevia. Watch to see which were their favorites:

Best Sugar-Free Yogurt

So what about sugar-free yogurt that use artifical sweeteners and yogurts sweetened with stevia and monkfruit? Personally and as an RD they’re not my favorite. Stevia and other sweeteners like it can cause GI distress- gas, bloating etc for some people. Some people also don’t like the taste or aftertaste. They’re also much much sweeter than regular yogurts and kids can get used to that level of sweetness. Like most things, they’re probably fine in moderation but for this post I chose ones sweetened with regular sugar because that’s my preference. If you’re looking for other options there are definitely some out there!

Another option for best low-sugar yogurt

ways to reduce sugar in yogurt

Two other easy ways to reduce the added sugar in yogurt is to choose plain yogurt and mix in smashed fruit or drizzle with a little honey.

Or you can buy a flavored variety that might have a bit more added sugar and mix it half and half with plain yogurt!

Here are 5 of the best low-sugar yogurts. These are not sugar-free yogurt options. They all have 7 grams of added sugar or less and no artificial sweeteners!

Hope this post was helpful! Want some recipes that use yogurt, both flavored and plain?

–Lindsay–

Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids

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A list of Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids if you are looking for some new options for breakfasts or snacks. They all have six grams of added sugar or less and at least two grams of both protein and fiber.

A list of Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids if you are looking for some new options for breakfasts or snacks. They all have six grams of added sugar or less and at least two grams of both protein and fiber.

*Originally published April 2019. Updated July 2022*

Some brands have raised added sugar since the original post was published. List is adjusted below*

Hi friends!

The list of Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids is here! I know cereal often gets knocked for not being the most nutritious food to feed your kid, but as someone who very seriously lived off almost nothing but cereal for many years, I will always have a strong love for it.

Plus my kids love it so I guess they take after their mama. While there are definitely some cereal options out there that are, in my opinion, overly sugary and not overly nutritious…there are also some good cereal choices out there.

Several brands make cereal low in sugar and also contain a decent amount of protein and fiber. When paired with some additional protein and fiber, cereal can definitely be part of a healthy meal or snack. I often get asked about the best cereal for toddlers. (Psst…if you’re looking for reccs beyond cereal, check out my Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids post. And remember cereal can make a great lunch box addition! For more packed lunch ideas, check out my Month of Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids!

And if you need snack ideas check out 60+ Packaged Snacks For Kids or After School Healthy Snacks.)

Healthy Cereals For Kids

  • Remember that it’s often fortified with beneficial things like B vitamins, Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Vitamin D. Iron is especially important for kiddos so cereal can be a good way to add some extra to their diet.
  • There are lots of whole-grain options available. If the box says whole grain, then at least half the grain ingredients are whole grain. If it says 100% whole grain then all the grain ingredients are whole grain. You can look for the yellow and black whole grain stamp. If it says 100% whole grains, it has at least 16g whole grains which is one serving of whole grains.
  • Remember that this list can also be helpful to find low-sugar cereal for adults. Nothing says only kids can eat these!
toddler with puffins

Criteria for Cereal With Low Sugar

Whenever you make a list like this, you have to pick a cut-off. Otherwise, you’ll never be able to eliminate anything from your list. So for the purposes of this list, here’s what I used for my criteria:

  • 6 grams or less added sugar. 
  • At least 2 grams of both protein and fiber.
  • I made a secondary/alternates list that goes up to 9 grams of added sugar because there are some options out there that have 5-6 grams fiber/protein etc but a little more added sugar as well…so you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for in a cereal.
  • I tried to pick cereals that are kid-friendly because let’s be real…not a lot of kids are going to eat plain bran flakes so I didn’t put them on the list even though they are low in sugar.
  • I didn’t include granola. I felt like it deserved its own list that perhaps I’ll put together in the future.
  • I tried to pick cereals that are somewhat commonly found, ie not just stuff that can only be found at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s etc.

Other Notes For Kid Cereals

For this list, I really just focused on the sugar, protein and fiber content.

There are several other factors to consider when it comes to cereal and it would be hard to address them all, so as a responsible consumer, you should do your own research on the following factors if they’re important to you because I didn’t address them:

  • Organic/non-organic ingredients
  • Allergens- some cereals may contain nuts, dairy etc
  • Artificial colors/sweeteners- some cereals may include these.
  • Safety – some cereals may be too hard/crunchy for younger toddlers, even when soaked in milk
  • Serving size – be sure to check it. Comparing a ⅔ cup serving size to 1 cup serving size is not apples to apples
  • Sodium and calorie content

Here are some lower added sugar cereals and a simple trick for reducing added sugar:

Other Notes:

  • Look for fiber. If it’s low in sugar but also low in fiber, add some fresh fruit, nuts or seeds to boost fiber content. Fiber intake goals: 19 grams per day for 1-3-year-olds, 25 grams per day for 4-8-year-olds, continues to increase for older kids and adults. Cereals like Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes and Crispix fall into this category, with just a few grams of sugar but no fiber either.
  • If your kids are used to higher sugar cereals, look for similar lower sugar options and start by mixing half and half.
  • I usually try to pair cereal with a protein source like milk, yogurt, cheese, nuts, etc.
  • Get out your measuring cups and measure out a serving size of your cereal so you can see what it looks like
  • Check the box. Things change. Recipes change. The numbers in this post could at some point become inaccurate.

So, are you ready for the list? Here you go! Remember, this is not an all-inclusive list. That would be a huge task to tackle. This is just to give you a starting place and provide some cereals you maybe haven’t heard of or tried.

Lower Sugar Cereals For Kids

The following cereals have six grams or less added sugar and at least 2 grams of both protein and fiber (I had to move several options from my original list to the alternate list because they’ve raised the amount of added sugar since I originally posted this in 2019:

  • Barbara’s Honest O’s Original
  • Barbara’s Puffins Original
  • Barbara’s Puffins Cinnamon
  • Cascadian Farms Purely O’s
  • General Mills Plain Cheerios
  • General Mills Kix
  • General Mills Total
  • General Mills Wheaties
  • Kashi Cinnamon Oat Cereal
  • Love Grown Power O’s Original
  • Love Grown Polar Puffs
  • Nature’s Path Crispy Rice
  • Nature’s Path Whole O’s
  • Nature’s Path Flax Plus Cinnamon Flakes
  • Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes
  • Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Cinnamon
  • Nature’s Path Mesa Sunrise

Alternates (9 grams of added sugar or less and at least 2 grams of protein and fiber)

  • Barbara’s Puffins Peanut Butter
  • Barbara’s Puffins Multigrain
  • Barbara’s Multigrain Spoonfuls
  • General Mills Multigrain Cheerios
  • Cascadian Farms Raisin Bran
  • Cascadian Farms Multigrain Squares Cereal
  • Kashi Maple Waffle Crisp
  • Kashi Honey Toasted Oat
  • Kellog Raisin Bran
  • Love Grown Sea Stars
  • Love Grown Lion Loops or Comet Krispies
  • Love Grown Power O’s chocolate & cinnamon
  • Nature’s Path Envirokidz Peanut Butter Panda Puffs
  • Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Maple
  • Nature’s Path Sunrise Crunchy Honey
  • Post Honey Bunches of Oats Cinnamon/Honey Roasted
  • Quaker Life (original)
  • Quaker Oatmeal Squares – original & cinnamon

So there you go! I’d love to hear some of your kiddos favorite lower sugar cereals if they’re not on this list!

A list of Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids if you are looking for some new options for breakfasts or snacks. They all have six grams of added sugar or less and at least two grams of both protein and fiber.

Cereal makes a great snack! Want more snack ideas?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

20 Ways To Entertain Kids At Sibling Sports

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Looking for ways to entertain kids and siblings while older siblings practice, play sports or have lessons? Here are 20 ideas to keep kids busy!

ways to entertain little siblings at sports games

Hi friends-

This summer I had two kids doing swim team, plus a third doing swim lessons. Several days a week we were spending almost 4 hours a day at the pool, plus another 4 hours every Monday for a swim meet. That’s a lot of hours I had to spend coming up with ways to entertain my 3 & 5 year olds.

I had a very large bag full of all sorts of entertainment and when I shared some photos on Instagram, some people asked me to compile them into a post so they could have a list of ideas all in one place.

Ask and you shall receive. While this is by no means an exhaustive list, here are 16 ideas for ways to entertain toddlers and kids while their siblings are practicing sports, playing games, having lessons and more!

If you want more toddler and kid activities, check out these posts:

how to entertain kids at sibling sports

How To Entertain Kids at Sibling Sporting Events

  • Matching/memory games and/or playing cards – Spread the cards out and have toddlers find the matches or flip them over and have them play memory to find the matches. Older kids can use playing cards to play games like go fish, crazy 8’s, speed, war and more. Playing cards can also be used for matches/memory games.
  • Puzzles – look for small 24-48 piece puzzles. Store them in small plastic containers with the puzzle picture taped to the cover or in zippered pouches.
  • Plus plus blocks – Store them in a zippered pouch and let them build and create. There are Plus Plus Big blocks for younger kids and also small ones that are more similar in size to legos.
  • Legos – Get a small base plate (check the dollar store!) and fill a pencil box with legos.

*links are affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

how to keep siblings busy at sporting events

How To Keep Siblings Busy At Sporting Events

  • Painting – Paint with water books and Water Wow (aff links) are two great options that only require water. Or you could branch out to washable watercolors.
  • Coloring – Sometimes nothing beats a simple notebook and markers (or crayons or colored pencils)
  • Boogie Board – These digital boards can be drawn on with a stylus and instantly erase with the touch of a button for endless fun! My older kids have these boogie boards or they have a toddler version that my youngest loves.
  • Stickers – Toddlers love the circular dot stickers that they can place randomly on page. Give older kids a challenge by asking them to draw a habitat or picture and then place their stickers into the picture. Or try reusable stickers or puffy sticker reusable activity books.

*links are affiliate links which means I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for your support!

ways to entertain toddlers and siblings at games

Ways To Entertain Toddlers and Siblings at Games

  • Books – Pack a few favorites to read with toddlers or an easy chapter book to read to siblings.
  • Frog Tape/painter’s tape – Perfect for entertaining because it sticks but is easily removed and doesn’t leave a sticky residue. Create roads to drive hot wheels cars on!
  • Hidden picture or search and find books – Easy to pack and can keep them busy for a long time!
  • Magnetic doll dress-up – This is the one we have but there are lots of versions available.
ways to entertain siblings

Ways To Entertain Siblings

  • Tablet – I offer a lot of alternatives in this post but let’s be real, sometimes you just need to put on a movie to get them to sit still 🙂
  • Pop-its/Fidget toys – There are lots of options – fidget spinners and cubes, theraputty, etc – anything to keep their hands busy while they sit and watch.
  • Paint with water – If you’ve got a concrete area or sidewalk, give them a cup of water and a paintbrush and let them paint!
  • Hair salon – Great time to practice some fun hairstyles!

Other Ways To Entertain Kids

  • Walks! Bring the stroller. Here are some scavenger hunt ideas for kids!
  • Sports – Bring a ball, baseball glove, frisbee etc
  • Snacks – Trust me when I say you can never have too many snacks!
  • Camera or radio – Buy a cheap digital camera or a small handheld radio (or just give them your phone). Let them go to town jamming to music or taking photos!
Looking for ways to entertain toddlers and other little siblings while older siblings practice, play sports or have lessons? Here are 20 ideas to keep kids busy!

Have any other favorites? Leave them in the comments!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Store Bought Granola Bars For Kids

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This list of healthy store bought granola bars for kids features top picks for healthy snack bars from a Registered Dietitian. All have seven grams of added sugar or less and include some protein and fiber. 

This list of healthy store bought granola bars for kids features top picks for snack bars from a Registered Dietitian. All have seven grams of added sugar or less and include some protein and fiber. 

*Originally published April 2019. Updated July 2022*

Hi friends!

This list of healthy store bought granola bars for kids comes highly requested as a lot of people are looking for healthy granola bars for kids and quite honestly has really been a labor of love. I spent hours looking at nutrition labels of various granola and snack bars on the market, analyzing the label, reading the ingredients and researching all the options. And believe me, there are A LOT of bar options out there.

While I typically don’t recommend a bar every single day, I recognize that they’re convenient and that there are some nutritious options out there that can fit nicely in a child’s diet. So I did my research and wanted to help cut through the clutter and give you some good options.

Choosing Healthy Granola Bars For Kids

Like anything when it comes to feeding your kids, you are in charge. Do your own research. Read the labels. Check out the ingredients. Then decide what you feel comfortable feeding your kids. And if you need more general snack ideas, check out:

These bars would also make great lunch box additions. If you need more packed lunch ideas, check out my guide: A Month of Easy Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids!

*This post was updated July 2022. Several of my choices have been discontinued since I originally published this list in 2019 so if you see bars in the pictures that aren’t on this list, it’s because they’re not being made anymore!

Here’s a quick video to show you a few good options I found recently at my local Meijer & Kroger:

Healthy Snack Bars For Kids

Similar to what I discussed in my Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids guide, for posts like this, there has to be a cutoff. Otherwise, the list would be too large and overwhelming. Similarly, this is not an all-inclusive list. There are just too many options out there to cover them all.

So what are the best granola bars for kids? Here are the criteria I used for my list:

Sugar:
7g or less added 

Previously, companies didn’t have to indicate how much of the sugar on the label was added so it was sometimes hard to tell how much was sugar was naturally occurring from things like fruit versus added sugar. Updated nutrition labels break out the amount of added sugar so that’s what I focus on instead of total sugar. In addition, you can look at the order of ingredients in the ingredient list. If sugar is listed before fruit, you can assume that more of the sugar is added.

Fiber and Protein:
At least 2 grams of each for the main list (except the pressed fruit bars)

Note that fiber can come from oats, fruit, nuts/seeds, but in some bars, it is added in the form of inulin, chicory root etc. Similarly, protein can come from whole ingredients or it can be added in the form of whey protein, egg powder, etc.

Best Store Bought Granola Bars

I did my best to choose bars with ingredients I think are wholesome. Is every single ingredient in each bar on this list perfect? No. But overall, I feel like the ingredient lists are good. If you’re overly concerned with ingredients, you may be better off making your own bars at home!

Many of the bars on the list come in multiple flavors. For this list, I’ve picked one flavor of each. Remember that sometimes other flavors might have differences in ingredients, amount of sugar, etc. You can compare nutrition labels and ingredients between flavors on the websites,

Healthy Granola Bars For Kids

If you like a brand or bar that’s not on my list, it might be because it has more than 7g added sugar per serving. Those bars are fine to eat, I would just recommend treating them a little more like sweet treat due to the amount of added sugar. 

Here are a few where the ingredients are fine for the most part but I don’t really feel like they’re worth eating. They’re quite low in calories and don’t really offer anything in the way of fiber or protein so they won’t be very satisfying or have a lot of staying power unless paired with another protein source:

  • KIND Kids Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
  • Annie’s Chewy Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip
  • Cascadian Farms Kids Chewy Oatmeal Raisin
taste testing granola and snack bars for kids

If you’re looking for more snack ideas, be sure to check out my 60+ HealthyPackaged Snacks for Kids!

I think that’s it! Remember this isn’t an all-inclusive list and it’s just based on my opinion. You do you! Make choices you’re happy with feeding your family and let others do the same 🙂

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

 

Avocado Cucumber Salsa with Pineapple

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This Avocado Cucumber Salsa is a fun change from tomato-based salsa. Scoop it with chips or serve it on tacos. Add pineapple or mango for a fresh summer twist!

Avocado cucumber salsa with pineapple

Hi friends!

I’m so excited to share this Avocado Cucumber Salsa with you guys. I recently shared my Easy Cucumber Tomato Salsa and it was a big hit! You guys seem to be big fans of cucumbers which is no surprise because they’re always so abundant in the summer. So I put on my brainstorming hat to come up with another way to use them.

Mango Cucumber Salsa Recipe

I happen to be a big pineapple fan and chose to add some to this recipe. If you’re not a fan, try substituting mango for pineapple! Or you can leave the fruit out all together and add a jalapeno for a little spice! Or if you really want to branch out, try adding some jicama.

pineapple cucumber salsa recipe

Cucumber Salsa Recipe Ingredients

Let’s talk about the ingredients you need:

  • Cucumber – I use English cucumbers but regular are fine. I would suggest slicing lengthwise and scooping out the seeds before dicing.
  • Red onion – White onion would also work.
  • Pineapple – I used canned pineapple but fresh would work great! You could also sub mango.
  • Avocado – Ripe but still stlightly firm is best. Overripe avocados will be too mushy and won’t hold their shape.
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice – Fresh is best.
  • Rice vinegar – This should be easy to find at most grocery stores.
  • Honey – To sweeten as desired.

Easy Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Print

Avocado Cucumber Salsa with Pineapple

avocado cucumber salsa
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

This Avocado Cucumber Salsa is a fun change from tomato-based salsa. Scoop it with chips or serve it on tacos. Add pineapple or mango for a fresh summer twist!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups diced cucumber*
3/4 cup diced red onion
8 oz diced pineapple (or 1 cup fresh)
1 large avocado, cubed (ripe but slightly firm)
3 Tbsp minced cilantro
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
2 Tbsp rice vinegar
1/2 tsp honey
pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine cucumber, red onion and pineapple and mix well. 
  2. Add avocado and cilantro.
  3. In a small bowl, combine lime juice, rice vinegar and honey and mix well.
  4. Pour over cucumber mixture, add a pinch of salt and gently stir to combine.
  5. Serve with chips for scooping, on tacos or salad etc.

Notes

*use an English cucumber or slice a regular cucumber lengthwise and scoop out seeds before dicing.

You can sub mango or jicama for pineapple. You can also add jalapeno. 

Can you believe how easy it is?!

What should I serve with cucumber salsa?

Easy Avocado Cumber Salsa with Pineapple or Mango

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Quinoa Bowl

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This Easy Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is made on a sheet pan for easy cleanup and packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for a healthy, gluten-free lunch or dinner.

healthy and easy shrimp and quinoa bowl recipe

Hi friends!

I’ve been working on this recipe for a while now and I’m excited to share it with you. This Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp & Quinoa Protein Bowl is the second in my quinoa series. I recently shared this Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta and mentioned how I’m always looking for flavorful ways to eat quinoa because I don’t like it plain.

What Can I Make With Shrimp and Quinoa?

This shrimp quinoa bowl is a fun twist on fried rice. It uses quinoa instead of rice and adding a quick-cooking protein like shrimp makes it even more satisfying. If you’re looking for other shrimp and quinoa recipes, try these quinoa and shrimp dishes:

Can You Bake Quinoa

This recipe calls for quinoa that’s already cooked. It’s actually best if you make the quinoa a couple of days ahead of time and then we bake the quinoa right along with veggies, shrimp and a flavorful sauce. Most people cook their quinoa on the stovetop but just a quick note that you can also bake it in the oven! Here’s how long to bake quinoa in case you want to try it for your shrimp quinoa bowl!

shrimp and quinoa with veggies recipe

Recipes with Shrimp and Quinoa

Let’s talk about the ingredients in this recipe:

  • Quinoa – cooked according to package directions and best if done at least one day in advance
  • Frozen veggies – I used a bag of peas and carrots but any combination should work
  • Shrimp- look for peeled and deveined and pull the tails off prior to cooking
  • Eggs
  • Sauce ingredients- oil, tamari (or soy sauce), sriracha, fresh ginger, garlic
  • Green onion

That’s it! Nothing fancy but still full of flavor. Here’s how you make it:

Print

Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp & Quinoa Protein Bowl

shrimp quinoa bowl with vegetables
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

This Easy Shrimp Quinoa Bowl is made on a sheet pan for easy cleanup and packed with protein and flavor. Perfect for a healthy, gluten-free lunch or dinner. 

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked quinoa (scant 1 cup dry)
1 pound shrimp, peeled & deveined/tail-off (thawed if frozen)
1 (10 oz) bag frozen mixed vegetables (I used peas & carrots)
3 eggs
1/4 cup oil (i use avocado oil)
1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce if not gluten-free)
1 Tbsp sriracha – optional, more if desired
2 tsp freshly grated ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup green onion, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahernheit.
  2. Spread quinoa and vegetables on a sheet pan lined with foil for easy cleanup. 
  3. In a bowl, mix oil, tamari, sriracha, ginger and garlic. Taste the sauce and add more ginger or sriracha if desired. 
  4. Pour sauce over quinoa mixture and stir to combine.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes.
  6. In a bowl, whisk 3 eggs.
  7. Remove pan from oven, stir quinoa mixture and add shrimp. Drizzle with eggs and sprinkle with 1/2 cup green onion.
  8. Bake 5 minutes, stir well and bake additional 3-5 minutes or until shrimp are pink and cooked!

Sounds pretty easy right? The best part of this recipe is that it tastes just as good on days 2 and 3 as it does on day 1 which means it’s perfect for meal prep. Make a batch and enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week long. Want to learn more about food prep? I have a whole course available to teach you all my best tips and tricks! Check out my Mastering Food Prep course for details.

sheet pan shrimp and quinoa recipe - healthy and easy meal the whole family will love

Let me know if you try this one!

Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad

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With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe for an Easy Cucumber and Tomato Salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

cucumber tomato salad 3

*Originally published July 2015. Updated July 2022*

Hi Friends!

This easy tomato and cucumber salad is super simple, but it’s full of flavor. There’s something so refreshing about a veggie-packed summer salad like this one topped with a fresh, flavorful dressing.

The best time to enjoy this salad is the middle of summer when there’s an overabundance of cucumbers and tomatoes that need to be used up. Since it gets better the longer it sits, you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week long. It’s the perfect addition to your sunday food prep. Want to learn more about meal prep? I have a whole course to teach you. Check out Mastering Food Prep to learn all my best tips and tricks!

Tomato and Cucumber Salad with Italian Dressing

My mother-in-law has been making a similar salad using Italian dressing for years and my husband loves it. To make that version, simply slice up some tomatoes, cucumbers and red onions and then drizzle with Italian dressing.

While I love that version as well, I decided I wanted to put my own spin on it with a homemade dressing. If homemade dressing intimidates you, don’t worry! You probably have all the ingredients you need right in the pantry. Here’s what you need:

Cucumber Tomato and Onion Salad Ingredients

  • Cucumber – I prefer English cucumbers because they’re less watery. You can also use regular cucumbers and scoop out the seeds.
  • Tomato – Any kind works. I typically use cherry tomatoes and quarter them.
  • Red onion – Optional but adds some flavor
  • Oil – Any mild-flavored oil like avocado oil works well.
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Sugar – To add a bit of sweetness.
  • Black pepper – freshly cracked is best!

The dressing adds a light summer flavor while still letting the tomatoes and other produce shine!

Here’s how you make it!

Cucumber and Tomato Salad Recipe

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Easy Tomato and Cucumber Salad

cucumber tomato salad 1
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★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe for an Easy Tomato and Cucumber Salad is the perfect way to enjoy summer produce!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 English cucumber, sliced and halved
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp sugar, more if desired
  • freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Combine tomato, cucumber and red onion in a bowl.
  2. Drizzle with oil, vinegar and sugar and stir. Taste and adjust if needed, adding more vinegar or sugar if desired.
  3. Top with freshly cracked black pepper, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

What to serve with cucumber tomato salad?

While this salad tastes great by itself, you can also use it in other ways:

cucumber tomato salad

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas

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These Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas and quick and healthy, easy to prep ahead of time for busy mornings!

breakfast meal prep ideas

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about how to meal prep for breakfast. I’ve previously given you some Healthy Meal Prep Lunch Ideas as well as these Easy Meal Prep Cold Lunches for Work.

If the thought of meal prepping breakfasts and/or lunches appeals to you, you should definitely check out my Mastering Food Prep course where I teach you everything there is to know about meal prep including finding your focus area, adding variety, flexible meal prep and more!

For a lot of people, meal prep ideas for breakfast is a great place to start when learning how to meal prep, especially if you’re rushing around in the morning trying to get kids ready and everyone out the door. Here are some ideas:

breakfast meal prep ideas oats and quinoa

Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas – Oats & Quinoa

meal prep breakfast ideas smoothies

Meal Prep Breakfast Ideas – Smoothies

  • Frozen Smoothie Packs via Real Food Dietitians – Prep your favorite flavor combos and freeze, then just pour them into the blender, add liquid, and blend.
  • Freezer Smoothies via Good Cheap Eats – Make a batch of smoothies, divide into glass jars and freeze. Microwave or thaw on the counter as needed.
  • Fruit Smoothie Popsicles via Lemon Tree Dwelling – Pour smoothies into popsicle molds and enjoy a treat for breakfasts!
  • 6 Freezer Smoothie Packs via Super Healthy Kids – More flavor combos to try for your smoothies!
meal prep ideas for breakfast - eggs

Meal Prep Ideas For Breakfast – Eggs

how to meal prep for breakfast - vegetables

How To Meal Prep For Breakfast – Vegetables

  • Breakfast Meal Prep Bowls via Paleo Running Mama – Pre-portion sausage and veggies and just cook up a quick egg each morning to add on top.
  • Farmer’s Market Breakfast Bowls via Love & Lemons – Who says you can’t have salad for breakfast?
  • Healthy Breakfast Salad via The Endless Meal – Another salad where you can assemble the base ahead of time and top with your favorite egg in the morning.
  • Breakfast Salad via Fed and Fit – This salad uses hard-boiled eggs and can be made totally ahead of time for a quick meal.
breakfast meal prep - pancakes and waffles

Breakfast Meal Prep – Pancakes & Waffles

  • Gluten-Free Buckwheat Pancakes via The Lean Green Bean – Pancakes keep well in the fridge so you can make a batch ahead of time.
  • Sheet Pan Pancakes via Real Food Dietitians – If you don’t want to flip individual pancakes, try making them in a sheet pan.
  • Protein Waffles via Eating Bird Food – Make a batch and freeze, then just pop them into the toaster!
  • How To Freeze Pancakes via Savor and Savvy – Pancakes also freeze well. Here’s how to do it for easy reheating.
meal prep breakfast ideas - muffins and bars

Meal Prep Breakfast Ideas – Muffins & Bars

Muffins and bars are one of my favorite breakfast additions. Here are a few of our fav recipes, plus a link to a post that shares most of the healthy muffins and bars on the blog!

Did you like any of these ideas? Be sure to pin this post for later and leave your favorites in the comments!

These Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas and quick and healthy, easy to prep ahead of time for busy mornings!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta

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This Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta is made with just a few simple ingredients and packed with flavor! Enjoy this salad alone or pair it with chicken for a full meal.

greek quinoa salad with feta, chicken and chips

Hi friends!

Today I’m going to introduce you to my favorite summer lunch – Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta, plus chicken and chips for scooping. Oh and I top mine with guacamole!

The main reason I love this salad is that it makes quinoa taste good. I’m not a fan of plain quinoa so I’m always looking for ways to jazz it up and it only requires a few simple ingredients to do it.

Greek quinoa salad with feta

Quinoa Salad with Feta Ingredients

Let’s run down the basic ingredients:

  • Quinoa- I used tricolor quinoa but white, red or black is fine!
  • Tomato – I use quartered cherry tomatoes
  • Red pepper – Red, orange or yellow bell peppers will work
  • Green onion – I prefer green onion to red but red onion would probably be more suitable for this salad so feel free to use either.
  • Cucumber – I slice them in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds before chopping.
  • Crumbled feta – I prefer smaller chunks but feel free to leave them large if you prefer.

Quinoa Salad with Feta Dressing

The dressing for this salad is super simple yet full of flavor! I don’t even measure anymore when I make it. Just pour a little of this and that and shake it all up.

  • Oil – I use avocado oil but olive oil would work well too.
  • Red wine vinegar – Most important! Adds the best flavor.
  • Lemon juice – You’ll definitely want fresh lemon juice.
  • Dijon mustard – pairs well with vinegar and lemon.
  • Maple syrup – you could sub honey. This is optional for a little added sweetness. Taste it without and decide if you want to add!

What To Serve with a Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta

As I mentioned, this can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. It makes a great vegetarian meal or side dish all on its own. If you want to add more protein, I often add chicken. I use this Simple Chicken Marinade for Meal Prep, cook the chicken in the air fryer and then thinly slice it. I add it to a bowl with some of this quinoa salad, top with guacamole and add chips for scooping.

Looking for other things to pair with this quinoa salad? Try these:

So here’s the quinoa salad recipe:

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Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta

greek quinoa salad with feta and chicken
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This Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta is made with just a few simple ingredients and packed with flavor! Enjoy this salad alone or pair it with chicken for a full meal.

  • Author: Lindsay
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 15 min
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup dry quinoa
1 bell pepper, diced
1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 cup sliced green onion (or red onion)
1 cup cucumber, diced
1/3 cup crumbled feta

3 Tbsp avocado oil
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp dijon mustard
1/2 tsp oregano
1–2 tsp honey, optional

Instructions

  1. Cook quinoa according to package directions.
  2. Let cool at least 10 minutes, then combine quinoa with pepper, tomato, onion, cucumber and feta.
  3. In a small bowl or jar, combine oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dijon mustard and oregano. Stir or shake well to mix. Taste and add honey to sweeten if desired.
  4. Pour over quinoa mixture and stir until well combined.

Notes

Feel free to add garlic to the salad or dressing if you’d like!

This salad is best served cold and the flavors will deepen as it sits which makes it perfect for meal prep! Want to learn more about how to meal prep? Check out my course Mastering Food Prep.

Want more quinoa recipes?

This Greek Quinoa Salad with Feta is made with just a few simple ingredients and packed with flavor! Enjoy this salad alone or pair it with chicken for a full meal.

Enjoy!

–Lindsay–

Best Easy Chicken Finger Recipe

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Looking for the best chicken finger recipe? These Easy Ritz Chicken Fingers will be your new go-to recipe. Kid-friendly and super easy to make.

best easy chicken finger recipe

Hi friends!

If you’re looking for an easy chicken finger recipe, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve tried out several homemade chicken finger recipes on my kids over the past few years and this is the clear winner. And they could not be easier to make.

Easy Chicken Finger Recipe

It’s honestly just chicken tenders (which you can buy already cut), dried off, dipped in egg and toss in crushed crackers and then baked. This is a perfect recipe to get kids helping in the kitchen. They will love putting the crackers in a bag and crushing them – either with their fist or with a meat mallet. And if they don’t love touching raw meat, they can use tongs to dip the chicken fingers in egg and then drop them into the bag of crumbs, seal it up and shake them around.

Chicken Finger Recipe – Air Fryer

Can you make these in the air fryer? Absolutely. Depending on what size your basket is, you may need to do more than one batch at a time that you can lay them in a single layer. I’ve found the time and temperature to be similar to the oven. I set the temp at 400 and check them after 8 minutes or so, depending on the size of the chicken fingers. If they need a few extra minutes to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit just pop them back in!

Best Chicken Finger Recipe

easy baked chicken finger recipe with ritz crackers

Best Baked Chicken Finger Recipe

The best way to cook these in the oven, in my opinion, is to put a cooling rack on top of your baking sheet. This allows some air to circulate underneath while they’re baking so the bottoms don’t get soggy.

Here’s what it looks like:

breading on best backed chicken finger recipe

Also note that this works best when your crackers are really finely crushed. If you don’t want to take the time to do it by hand you can throw them in the food processor.

Here’s the best easy chicken finger recipe:

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Best Easy Chicken Finger Recipe

easy chicken fingers with fruit and carrots
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Looking for the best chicken finger recipe? These Easy Ritz Chicken Fingers will be your new go-to recipe. Kid-friendly and super easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • 3 Tbsp flour
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers

 

Instructions

  1. Remove chicken tenders from package and pat dry. 
  2. Place crackers in a large Ziploc bag and crush until finely ground.
  3. Dip tenders in flour, then egg and then place into the Ziploc bag 2-3 at a time. 
  4. Seal the bag and shake until well coated. 
  5. Place a cooling rack on top of a baking sheet and spray with oil. 
  6. Set coated chicken tenders on the cooling rack. 
  7. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10-15 minutes (until they reach 165 degrees F). 

Notes

  • If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can cut chicken breasts into strips or nugget-sized pieces.
  • If you don’t want to crush crackers by hand, stick them in the food processor or blender.
  • These can be made in the air fryer. Cook at 400 for 8-12 minutes.

Do you see what I mean when I say easy?! Hardly even a recipe…but definitely a must-try!

Looking for the best chicken finger recipe? These Easy Ritz Chicken Fingers will be your new go-to recipe. Kid-friendly and super easy to make.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Easy Meal Prep Cold Lunches for Work

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These Easy Meal Prep Cold Lunches for Work mean no more boring lunch boxes! No microwave is required to enjoy these easy, healthy meals.

easy meal prep cold lunches that are great for work

Hi friends!

Yesterday I shared 25 Healthy Meal Prep Lunch Ideas and I hope they were helpful. Today I wanted to focus on work lunches that taste delicious when eaten cold. Not everyone has access to a way to heat their lunch at work so I wanted to pull together some cold ideas if you’re tired of sandwiches and yogurt.

Meal Prep Lunch Box Ideas – Pasta

Pasta is easy to cook in big batches and use throughout the week. As long as you keep it separated from dressings and sauces it won’t get soggy. Plus there are lots of different shapes and types of pasta to add variety.

Cold Sesame Noodle Meal Prep Bowls Vegan e1661188933607

Cold Sesame Noodle Bowls

Spiralized Veggies with chickpeas and noodles served with spicy almond butter sauce. Store the sauce separate so you can prep sevearl ahead of time!

Grab the recipe!
greek orzo in a jar I howsweeteats.com 6 1

Greek Orzo Salad in a Jar

An easy lunch idea! A simple lemon dressing, Greek veggies and whole wheat orzo. Keep the dressing at the bottom and pasta at the top to keep from getting soggy.

Grab the recipe!
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Mexican Pasta Salad

Pasta salad with a Southwestern flair. Bowtie pasta, black beans, corn and more with a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. A fun twist on traditional pasta salad.

Grab the recipe!
Spicy Peanut Chicken Salad Soba 4

Spicy Peanut Soba Noodle Salad

Soba noodles tossed in a spicy peanut noodle sauce and mixed with chicken, cabbage and red peppers. Easy to customize!

Grab the recipe!

Meal Prep Lunch Ideas – Salads

Salads are perfect for lunch but they don’t have to be boring! Prep them ahead of time in jars, vary the protein you add and consider that not all salads have to have lettuce!

mason jar salads three row

Salad in a Jar

Learn how to prep all your salads for the week at once so they stay crisp and fresh in the fridge.

Learn more!
Hummus Bowls 15

Hummus Bowls with Chicken Shawarma

A quinoa bowl topped with hummus, chicken and lots of veggies. The flavor gets better as the week goes on!

Get the recipe!
Thai Quinoa Salad 7

Crunchy Cashew Quinoa Salad

Gluten-free and vegan, this quinoa salad is topped with a cashew-butter and curry sauce you’ll love!

Get the recipe!
Hoisin Salmon Meal Prep 2 scaled

Hoison Glazed Salmon

Flavor-packed salmon that tastes great warm or cold on a citrus salad.

Get the recipe!
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Edamame Black Bean Salad

Packed with protein and vegetables, this salad is great on it’s own or scooped with chips.

Get the recipe!

High Protein Meal Prep Lunch Box Ideas

Lunch is a great time to pack in the protein. It’ll help you fight the afternoon slump by keeping you full and focused until dinner time. Consider vegetarian options along with your favorite meat, eggs and more!

Grilled Chicken Bulgogi Lettuce Cups 17

Chicken Bulgogi Lettuce Wraps

Light, fresh and full of flavor. Perfect for lunch at work. Flavorful chicken topped with pickled veggies plus rice and wrapped in lettuce.

Grab the recipe!
healthy spring roll recipes

Healthy Spring Roll Recipes

5 healthy spring roll recipes plus a dipping sauce for each one.

Grab the recipe!
DIY Starbucks Protein Bistro Box Pin

DIY Starbucks Protein Bistro Box

Perfect for meal prep. You can make several of these boxes and grab one for lunch every day. Well balanced and full of protein and healthy fats.

Grab the recipe!
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Adult Lunch Box Ideas

5 easy healthy lunch box ideas for adults. Prep a different one for lunch each day of the week so you don’t get bored!

Grab the recipes!

Meal Prep Lunch Ideas – Sandwiches and Wraps

Don’t get stuck in a sandwich wrap. They’re quick and easy to make and there are some many different varieties that lunch doesn’t have to be boring!

Egg Wraps 1

Easy Egg Wraps

High protein and low carb you can fill these wraps with whatever you want for a quick and easy lunch.

Grab the recipe!
Turkey Ranch Roll Ups Recipe 4 4

Turkey Ranch Tortilla Rollups

Quick and easy to make and you can customize the meat and add whatever vegetables you want!

Grab the recipe!
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Buffalo Chicken Wrap

Ready in just 5 minutes this is a great way to repurpose leftover chicken tenders.

Grab the recipe!
Apple Peanut Butter Sandwich Wraps horiz Wrapping wr

Granola Crunch Apple Peanut Butter Wrap

An easy eay to change things up from the usual pb & j. These come together quickly and are the perfect blend of crunchy and sweet!

Grab the recipe!
shrimp tacos chili lime recipe 8

Cilantro Lime Shrimp Tacos

Ready in under 20 minutes, topped with slaw and spicy jalapenos, tacos for lunch sounds like a great idea!

Grab the recipe!

So tell me, which of these ideas will you try first? If you want to learn more about meal prep, I can help! With 10+ years of experience, I share all my best tips and tricks in my Mastering Food Prep course!

And if you need breakfast ideas, here are some Breakfast Meal Prep Ideas.

These Easy Meal Prep Cold Lunches for Work mean no more boring lunch boxes! No microwave is required to enjoy these easy, healthy meals.

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–