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Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

March 18, 2022 by Lindsay 336 Comments

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Muffins have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults!

*Originally published 2/2013. Updated 2019 & 2021*

Hi Friends!

I first developed the recipe for these Sweet Potato Banana Muffins way back in 2013. I previously called them Sweet Potato Banana Bites. They’re one of the first homemade snacks I made for all three of my kids when they first started eating solids and they’ve been a favorite each time. Now my kids are 6, 4 and 2 and I still make them several times a month! Watch my younger two make some to see how easy it is.

Sweet Potato Muffins for Babies

All you need are four simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand – sweet potato, banana, peanut butter (or your favorite nut butter) and eggs. Then you can add your favorite mix-ins if you’d like – cinnamon and vanilla, chocolate chips, frozen blueberries etc. The thing I love most is that you don’t really even need to measure. I never do.

I grab a medium-large sweet potato, stab it a few times with a knife and throw it in the microwave for 5 minutes. Once it’s cooked, I slice it open, scoop the insides out into a bowl, add a medium banana and a couple spoonfuls of peanut butter and mash it all up. Mix in two eggs, a few shakes of cinnamon and a handful of chocolate chips and you’re done!

If you leave out the chocolate chips, there’s no added sugar so these moist mini muffins are perfect for baby-led weaning. I served them to my kids starting around 6 months. They’re a great way to introduce peanut butter and/or eggs- two common allergens.

Sweet Potato Recipes For Toddlers

I always make these as mini muffins which makes them perfect for toddlers. If you don’t have a mini muffin tin, use a regular one but don’t fill more than half full. There’s no baking soda like in most muffins. If you’re making for babyled weaning, I actually prefer a regular muffin tin filled just slightly because it makes them a little wider and flatter, easier for young hands to grab.

I find my silicone muffin tin works best. If you use a metal pan, be sure each mini-muffin hole is well greased! I store these in the fridge because they are pretty moist and my kids and I eat them cold at snack time. (If you need them to be nut-free you can try sunflower seed butter.)

Want more sweet potato recipes? Here are 20+ Baked Sweet Potato Recipes.

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

They’re even easy enough for toddlers to make themselves and perfect for getting kids in the kitchen since the recipe is so forgiving. Here’s a video of my oldest making them as a toddler!

Sweet Potato Bites

A few notes:

They’re not super sweet. There’s no added sugar except from the chocolate chips so make sure you use really ripe bananas
They’re gluten-free and dairy-free (as long as you use dairy-free chocolate chips if needed!
You can eat them for dessert, for an afternoon snack or before a workout
The recipe is very forgiving so your measurements don’t have to be exact. I never measure. I just eyeball it.

Sweet Potato Banana Recipes

This is my favorite way to combine sweet potato and banana, but you could also sub banana for maple syrup in my Sweet Potato White Bean Bars or Healthy Sweet Potato Cookies.

Here’s how you make them:

Sweet Potato Banana Muffins

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

These gluten-free Sweet Potato Banana Bites have just four main ingredients and make a great snack for both kids and adults!

Author: Lindsay L
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 14-16 mini muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 c cooked, mashed sweet potato (approx 1 medium)
1/2 cup mashed banana (approx 1 medium)
1/4 c nut butter
2 eggs
cinnamon, to taste
Optional mix-ins: dark chocolate chips, fruit, chia seeds, etc

Instructions

Smash the sweet potato and banana together in a small bowl.
Add the peanut butter, eggs and cinnamon & mix well.
Stir in any additional mix-ins and spoon into greased mini muffin tins.
Bake at 375 degrees for 18 minutes.

Feel free to customize by using your favorite nut butter. I’ve made them with peanut butter, almond butter and sunflower seed butter- all delicious.

You can also mix-in things like chia seeds or fruit instead of chocolate chips- I love mixing in frozen blueberries or fresh cranberries!

And If you’re looking for something like this that’s a little bit sweeter, you should definitely try my Healthy Brownie Bites! With just two extra ingredients, I transformed my sweet potato bites into a healthy, bite-sized chocolate dessert!

Looking for more healthy snack ideas? Check out some of my favorites:

See all my snack recipes here.

These bites are a staple in my weekly food prep routine because they make a great healthy snack for my kids. If you liked this post, you’ll love my ebook – The Ultimate Guide To Food Prep. It dives into even more detail about how to food prep, troubleshoots common problems and provides tons of tips to make it easier! (I’ve also got a Freezer Food Prep ebook if you need help with that!)

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Kitchen Tools For Kids

October 20, 2021 by Lindsay 6 Comments

These Kitchen Tools For Kids are perfect for introducing children to the kitchen. Let them get creative, have fun and develop healthy eating habits from a young age!

*Originally published 11/2017. Updated 6/2021*

Hi friends!

Today I’m sharing my favorite kids cooking utensils! As most of you know, spending time in the kitchen with my kids is one of my favorite things to do. I started bringing both my kids into the kitchen with me at a very young age. They were both up on their learning tower helping me from about 14 months on.

Lots of you ask me what tools I use in the kitchen with my kids so I thought I’d put together a guide with some kids cooking tools that are nice to have on hand for your little helpers! Some of these are brands I love while others are just general ideas and many brands make similar products.

Teaching Kids to Cook

Once you have the tools, the next step is checking out my Ultimate Guide to Teaching Kids to Cook! I have a huge list of kitchen tasks for toddlers, everything from dumping and stirring to using the salad spinner! Don’t underestimate how much kids can do in the kitchen from a young age. Every chance to practice builds their confidence and soon they’ll be cooking full meals like my six-year-old does!

What To Bake With Kids

If you’re not sure what to make, I’ve got you covered there too! Here are some of my favorite Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes. Most of them use a food processor which is easy for kids to use and they’re all healthy muffins and bars that will help your kids make nutritious snacks they love!

Kids Cooking Tools

All of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. That means if you choose to purchase something by clicking my link, I get to keep a small portion of the sale at no additional cost to you. Thanks for supporting The Lean Green Bean!

Learning Tower

Once kids can stand comfortably for a while, a learning tower is great to have! They can stand right at the counter to help but are a bit more secure than being on just a chair or barstool. Just watch the younger ones closely though because if they sit or fall down they can definitely fall out through the sides or back. You can buy add-ons as well. We bought the easel to add to the back of ours. It not only makes the back solid, it also adds a magnetic dry erase board and a felt board. Little Partners also makes activity boards for the back!

Little Partners Learning Tower
Learning Tower Easel
Explore and Store Learning Tower (smaller option)

Knives

I get asked all the time about what knives my kids use. We have used three different types and liked all of them. I start all my kids with Curious Chef. Next, we moved to the smaller serrated ones. I love Foost. It’s basically like a pumpkin carving knife and is smaller and I think it’s easier for them to handle as they start to cut firmer fruits and vegetables. The last one we use is Opinel. It’s basically a real chef knife but the right size for kid hands. Around this same time, I also started letting my oldest use paring knives and some of our normal kitchen knives.

Kitchen Gift Set

If they’re really excited about cooking and you’re looking to get several tools all at once, a gift set might be a great solution.

Tovla Kitchen and Baking Kids Set

Peeler

My son started out using a regular peeler and never had any issues but some people like the palm peeler better because it fits better in little hands. It’s up to you!

Measuring Cups

There are lots of fun sets out there, stainless steel or plastic, at a variety of price points but my kids have always enjoyed having their own measuring cups and spoons! Fun colors are an added bonus.

Measuring Cups

Cookie Scoop

Definitely one of our most used tools. Cookie baking is a great way to introduce kids to the kitchen. This tool also helps them work on their coordination and grip strength. You can also use it to scoop batter into muffin tins.

OXO Cookie Scoop

Mixing Bowls with Non-Slip Base

Having bowls with a non-slip bottom is crucial! This set actually has accompanying lids which is nice because some kitchen projects may need to get put on hold for tantrums, naps, etc. I actually prefer a glass mixing bowl but it took me a while to work up the courage to trust my kids with my favorite. However once they’re a little older, a glass mixing bowl with a handle it my favorite!

Mixing Utensils

Things like stirring, whisking and brushing are perfect beginner kitchen tasks.

Silicone kitchen utensils

Spiralizer

A spiralizer is a fun way to get kids exciting about veggies! Let them pick the veggie and choose what thickness to cut them. The Inspiralzer brand is my favorite because it suctions really well to the counter so the kiddos can focus on spinning the handle. However I don’t think it’s being made anymore so you could try this OXO one!

OXO Spiralizer

Grater

These are fairly sharp so watch kids closely when using them. Ones like this with a built-in box can help minimize the mess. It also has non-slip feet which is nice!

OXO Box Grater

Small Non-Slip Cutting Board

Are you sensing a theme here with the non-slip idea? Get them their own small cutting board so they can chop right alongside you!

Cutting Board

Veggie Scrubber

Another great tool for simple kitchen task that even young toddlers can handle!

Veggie Scrubber

Salad Spinner

Making salads is a great task for kids. They can tear the lettuce, spin it dry, and peel and chop some veggies all by themselves

Cookie Cutters

Cookie cutters make baking more fun and are good to have on hand for rainy days, holiday baking, etc!

Cookie Cutters

Salad dressing shaker

If you like to make your own sauces or dressings, these are handy to have! Let the kids help add all the ingredients and then have fun shaking them up!

Salad Dressing Maker

Ziploc Bag Holder

If you make freezer meals, especially chop and dump style meals to stock your freezer for the slow cooker, these are handy. They hold a ziploc bag upright and open so kids can help add stuff to the bag.

Ziploc Bag Holder

Silpat

These are great for baking but can also be great to use on the counter when rolling out various doughs, kneading bread dough etc.

Silpat

Mini Rolling Pin

Full-size rolling pins can be tough for kids to manage. Get them a mini one and give them their own section of dough to work with.

Mini Rolling Pin

Crinkle Cutter

Anything to make veggies more fun! Let kids cut veggies like potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and carrots into fun crinkle strips.

Crinkle Cutter

Silicone Muffin Tins

I also love these silicone muffin tins for easy, no-stick baking!

————

That’s all for now! I’m sure there are some things I forgot.

Any of these would make a great gift! Want more gift ideas? Check out my Gift Guide for Toddlers (Ages 1-3) or Kid Gift Ideas {Ages 4-7}.

Let’s chat!

Do you cook with your kids? What are your favorite tools?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Lentil Banana Muffins

July 13, 2022 by Lindsay 148 Comments

These Lentil Banana Muffins are the perfect on-the-go breakfast. They’re kid-friendly and packed with fiber and protein. Plus you can’t even taste the lentils!

{Originally published 12/2012. Update 6/2018 and 6/2021}

Hi Friends!

I first shared this recipe for Lentil Banana Muffins way back in 2012 and I’m still making it! If you were to ask my kids for their favorite banana muffins recipe, this would be it. In fact, it’s their favorite muffin recipe of all time. I make them weekly- sometimes multiple times per week. I also often put them in their lunch boxes! If you need lunch box ideas, I have a whole guide- A Month of Easy Packed Lunch Ideas For Kids!

You may be thinking that these banana lentil muffins sound pretty gross, but I promise you don’t taste the lentils. If I’ve learned one thing about bananas it’s that they do a great job covering the taste of other things. So this is an easy way to boost the fiber and protein content of your muffins.

Ingredients to make lentil banana muffins:

Lentils – I use brown or green in these muffins but I’ve also had people tell me red lentils work fine!
Bananas – The riper the better to help add sweetness.
Oil – I use avocado oil but any mild-flavored oil will work.
Egg – You can sub a flax egg very easily for a vegan version.
Sugar – You can use white sugar or sub maple syrup in this recipe.
Oats- Rolled oats work perfectly!
Flour – I use white whole wheat flour. AP flour will also work.
Baking soda, vanilla and cinnamon
Chocolate chips – optional but encouraged 🙂

How do you cook lentils?

The good thing about lentils is that they freeze really well! I often cook an entire bag of lentils at once and then portion into one cup portions and freeze. Then i can just defrost in the fridge or microwave as needed.

To cook my lentils I just put in a pot with a lot of water (they will expand when cooked so use plenty of water). Cover the pot, bring to a boil, then turn the heat down, crack the lid and simmer for 12-14 minutes. Then drain the water and use as needed!

More details:

So when should you enjoy these banana lentil muffins? Anytime! They’re great breakfast muffins for kids or adults because they’re full of protein and fiber! If you want to serve them to babies, you can leave out the sugar or swap in some baby food prunes for added sweetness! In addition, they freeze well so you can easily make a double batch and pull them out later!

Lentil Banana Muffins

Here’s the full recipe.

Lentil Banana Muffins

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 52 reviews

These Lentil Banana Muffins make a healthy, high-fiber breakfast or snack. They’re kid-friendly and freeze well. And I promise you can’t even taste the lentils!

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 20 min
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Makes 12 large muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cooked green or brown lentils (approx 1/3 cup dry)
3/4 cup mashed banana (2–3 medium)
1/4 cup oil (i used avocado oil)
1 egg
1/4 c sugar
1 tsp vanilla
2/3 c oats
2/3 c white whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Add cooked lentils, oil, banana, egg, sugar and vanilla to a food processor and process until smooth.
Add oats, flour, baking soda, and cinnamon and process until just mixed.
Add chocolate chips and pulse a couple of times to combine.
Scoop into greased muffin tins and bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Notes

You can leave out the sugar for babies under one, or swap in baby food prunes or a couple of dates for sweetness.
Red lentils should also work fine in this recipe.
To freeze, cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap and put in a freezer safe bag.

These muffins freeze well so feel free to make a double batch. Like chocolate? Try these Chocolate Lentil Bars!

Want more muffin and bar recipes we love?

Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes (this is a big roundup of all my fav muffins and bars)
Sweet Potato White Bean Bars
Carrot Oat Bars
Carrot Applesauce Muffins
Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

12 Kid-Friendly Energy Ball Recipes Made Without Protein Powder

March 14, 2022 by Lindsay 19 Comments

Looking for a quick, healthy snack made with real food ingredients? Here are 12 kid-friendly energy ball recipes made without protein powder.

Hi friends!

Let’s talk about snacks for a minute, shall we? More specifically, snacks for kids. Because lord knows my kids eat a lot of them- pretty much every 2 hours all day long, am I right?!

These aren’t giant snacks by any means, but they do occur multiple times per day, so I do my best to make sure they’re healthy and full of nutrients. Some of our favorites include:

Muffins and Bars
String cheese with crackers
Hard-boiled eggs with fruit
Avocado or peanut butter toast
Smoothies or smoothie popsicles
Veggies and crackers with hummus
Energy balls
Frozen yogurt tubes
PB&J Waffles

If you need packaged snacks, check out my list of 60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks for Kids and check out my latest resource The Snack Spark for tons more ideas.

Protein Balls without Protein Powder

I try to rotate through snacks to avoid burnout, but if I had to name one thing I make sure to prep every single week to have on hand, it’s energy balls. My oldest absolutely loves my Lemon Energy Balls and the younger two are fans of my no-bake mint chocolate version (i make them without the crushed peppermint when it’s not Christmas time!)

When I look for protein balls for kids, I look for recipes without protein powder. Many parents are surprised by how little food it takes to meet the daily protein requirements for kids so there’s usually no need for extra protein powder. I choose nutrient-dense recipes that are full of protein thanks to nuts, seeds etc!

Protein balls for kids make a great snack. I love that you can prep a big batch ahead of time and store them in the freezer for a quick and easy snack time. I rounded up a few recipes for you to try!

Energy Balls for Kids

I love them because it’s so easy to make a batch ahead of time and pop them in the freezer and just pull them out whenever we need a quick snack. I’ve decided that since we’re eating them weekly, it’s about time I start branching out a little bit and trying some new flavor combos. Instead of doing all the work myself, I turned to some of my blogger friends and asked them to share their favorite energy balls and bites!

Note that while a lot of energy balls are made with protein powder, for this roundup, I chose only recipes that do not include protein powder. You guys know I’m not a huge protein powder user myself (although I do use it to make my No Bake Protein Bars), but I don’t feel it’s something Squish needs to be eating at his age.

So here’s the list I came up with, including a few of my favorites from The Bean archives:

Lemon Energy Balls

No-Bake Mint Chocolate Bites

Apple Cinnamon Cookie Energy Bites via Kristine’s Kitchen Blog

Dark Chocolate & Blueberry Energy Bites via The Creative Bite

Cherry Larabar Balls via Eating Bird Food

Key Lime Pie Energy Bites via Peas and Crayons

Chocolate Coconut Pistachio Bites via Cotter Crunch

Raw Vegan Brownie Bites via Happy, Healthy Motivated

Dark Chocolate Coconut Almond Butter Energy Bites via Joyful Healthy Eats

Strawberry Cheesecake Swirl Energy Balls via The Healthy Maven

PB & J Swirl Energy Bites via Fit Foodie Finds

Carrot Cake Energy Bites via Cookin’ Canuck

More ideas:

Cranberry Chocolate Almond Energy Bites via Iowa Girl Eats
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls via Meal Planning Magic

So if you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen working my way through this list with my little assistant. Which should we try first?!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Healthy Crunchy Snacks

March 14, 2022 by Lindsay 5 Comments

These 9 Healthy Crunchy Snacks are a helpful way to power through the afternoon slump. The recipes are packed with protein and healthy fats and are easy to eat on-the-go!

Hi Friends!

Today we’re chatting about crispy crunch snacks. I don’t know about you, but I find crunchy snacks to be supremely satisfying. I love that they tend to take longer to eat because you have to do a lot of chewing!

There are tons of great crunchy snack options out there that are both healthy for you and delicious! I rounded up some crunchy snacks to share with you today. They’re all great options to have on hand when looking for a little burst of energy to power through your afternoon slump!

If you’re looking for more snack ideas, check out these posts:

Healthy Crunchy Snacks

Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix
Make the chickpeas in the air fryer or use my method for Perfectly Roasted Chickpeas

An alternative to potato chips!
“Cheese” Pizza Kale Chips via The Real Food Dietitians

Swap out your favorite nut if you don’t like cashews.
Apple Cinnamon Roasted Cashews via Diary of an Ex-Sloth

Homemade crackers are so easy & fresher than store-bought!
Everything But The Bagel Crackers via Eating Bird Food

A great option if you’re allergic to nuts!
Cinnamon Pepitas via Spoonful of Flavor
Use them in this Pepitas trail mix!

Try with your favorite store-bought hummus to save time!
Veggie Rolls with Avocado Hummus via The Glowing Fridge

Not your traditional trail mix!
Plantain Chip Trail Mix via Midlife Croissant

Easy to make and packed with protein!
Crunchy Roasted Edamame via Bam’s Kitchen

Lots of spice may help you eat slower!
Rosemary & Cayenne Toasted Coconut Chip Trail Mix via The WorkTop

Making your own chips is easy and can save money!
Try these Baked Plantain Chips from Cooktoria or pull out the air fryer for these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Chips from Budget Delicious.

Looking for more crunchy healthy snacks? Check out these:

Remember that kids love crunchy snacks too! Just be mindful of choking hazards if they’re younger!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Top 10 Foods for Sunday Food Prep

June 12, 2022 by Lindsay 121 Comments

Here are the Top 10 Foods For Sunday Food Prep! These are the best foods to meal prep ahead of time. Combine them throughout the week into quick healthy meals your family will love.

Sunday Meal Prep Ideas

*Originally published in Feb 2014. Updated Mar 2019 & May 2021*

Hi Friends!

Let’s talk about Sunday meal prep ideas, shall we? If you’ve been around for any length of time, you know I’m a huge fan of food prep and rely heavily on meal prep Sunday each week. If you like the idea of food prep but you’re not sure how to start, check out these 5 Steps to Food Prep. Over the past eight years, I’ve refined my personal food prep process and it’s definitely become a habit to head to the kitchen every weekend and get our fridge stocked and ready for the week.

I love that food prep has gained popularity.I also love that it doesn’t have to look the same for everyone. Some people prefer to prep full meals while others, like me, prefer to prep components that can be thrown together to make quick, healthy meals during the week. Here’s an example of a week of component food prep and how to use it. And if you find yourself avoiding food prep because it seems overwhelming, here’s How to Find Your Food Prep Focus Area.

If you love the idea of food prep but aren’t sure where to start, check out my Mastering Food Prep course. I cover these five steps in even more detail, plus I talk about food prep beyond dinner, give you tips for adding variety, talk about flexible food prep and food safety and cover some of the most common roadblocks to food prep. I also have an ebook called Ultimate Guide to Food Prep.

Lately, I’ve really zoned in on my love for component food prep because I think it can be a simple, yet effective approach to food prep that lots of people can embrace. I thought it would be helpful to round up some of my favorite component foods (ie the ones you see me prep every weekend) and share some ways to use them. So here are my Top 10 Foods For Sunday Food Prep:

Top 10 Foods For Sunday Food Prep

1) Snacking veggies– Raw veggies make a great snack. They’re easy to prep ahead of time and you can throw them in your lunch box, the kids from munch on them after school or you can enjoy some while making dinner! I prep a container of snacking veggies every weekend and pull it out every day while prepping lunch and dinner. I’ve found myself eating more of them just because they’re there and even my four-year-old will grab a few carrots if he’s in the mood. I refill this container several times throughout the week.

Some of our favorites are carrots, bell peppers and cucumbers. You could also try broccoli, snap peas, celery, radishes, etc. They’re great with hummus, yogurt ranch dip, or Italian dressing.
If your veggies start to look a little dried out, fill the container with water and drain it out to refresh them!

2) Breakfast Foods– There are tons of great breakfast options that you can make ahead of time so you don’t have to spend time cooking in the morning. This also gives you no excuse to skip breakfast!

Make a batch of GF Pumpkin Yogurt Bars or Sweet Potato Protein Cookies and pre-portion them into bags so you can just grab one on the way to work.
Pancakes and waffles can be made ahead of time and easily reheated. Try Banana Flax Waffles or Sweet Potato Waffles.
If you like eggs, try making some Egg Wraps or Egg Waffles that are easy to customize.
If you like baked goods, make a batch of these Lentil Banana Muffins or these Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins. You can find all my kid-friendly baked goods here.
Check out all the breakfast recipes on the blog for more ideas!)

3) Whole Grains – It’s easy to cook up a big batch of your favorite grain to have on hand. Cook it on Sunday and add to meals during the week.

Try brown rice, quinoa, farro, amaranth, wheatberries, etc. You can use them as the base for power bowls, add them to soups, casseroles, burritos, stirfry and more.
Also, don’t be afraid to make your own bread and tortillas. It’s easy to do and you know exactly what’s going into them. Try these Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas or some Dutch Oven Bread!
If you’re looking for more homemade bread recipes, I highly recommend the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes Per Day cookbooks (aff link).

Best Foods To Meal Prep

4) Snacks – Having healthy snacks on hand is crucial with two toddlers running around. When they want to eat, they want to eat NOW.

Some of my son’s favorites include Sweet Potato Bites, My Go-To Energy Balls or a Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie. You can make smoothie packs to stock your freezer so all you have to do is dump and blend.
Muffins and bars make great snacks and are easy to make in bulk!
Check out all my snack recipes and for more ideas here are 25 Healthy After Work Snacks and 10 Healthy Toddler Snacks.
I love snacks so much I created a whole resource filled with snack ideas called The Snack Spark!

5) Greens for Salad– Prepping greens ahead of time makes it easy to throw together a side salad with meals or use greens as a base for a power bowl. You can use leaf lettuce, spinach, kale etc.

To prepare my greens, I cut them, wash them well, spin them dry and store in a Ziploc bag with a paper towel. Make sure to press out as much air as possible each time you open the bag.
If you’re prepping kale, wash and dry it, then rub it with some oil (and lemon juice if desired) and store in a bag or airtight container. Then you can quickly make this Kale Panzanella Salad to enjoy for several days.
Use your greens as a base for loaded salads during the week. Here’s The Ultimate List of Salad Topping Ideas. Or try this Salmon Nicoise Salad or these 7 Easy Salads for Summer.

6) Baked/Roasted Veggies – Having veggies cooked and ready to eat makes it much more likely that I’ll add them to my meals during the week. Chop up some broccoli, potatoes, sweet potatoes or green beans and toss them on a pan. Spray with oil, season as desired and roast at 400/425 degrees for 10-25 minutes depending on the veggies. You can also toss in whole potatoes or sweet potatoes to roast. Other veggies like parsnips, carrots, peppers and more can also be roasted!

You can use the potatoes for side dishes or a quick dinner like these Mexican Loaded Sweet Potatoes.
Try roasting your veggies with a little bacon for extra flavor! Add them to main dishes, salads, etc during the week!
Or try these Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots or Roasted Green Beans with Ginger and Cranberries.

7) Lean Proteins – If you’re a meat-eater, why not cook some of your meat ahead of time for less weeknight cooking?

Choose your favorites like chicken, salmon, meatloaf, burgers (meat or veggie) and try baking, roasted or grilling them.
Try making a batch of burgers/cakes like these Avocado Chicken Burgers or some Thai Chicken Meatballs or Paleo Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs.
Put your crockpot or instant pot to good use and make some shredded chicken or try Persian Pulled Chicken or Slow Cooker Barbacoa.
Use these cooked proteins during the week in sandwich wraps, on salads, in casseroles, etc! You could also make those casseroles ahead of time and reheat during the week.
Grill some steak and use the leftovers to make a Steak Cobb Salad.

8) Beans & Legumes – Even if you’re not a completely plant-based eater, it’s still a great idea to add some plant-based proteins to your diet. I buy dried beans, cook a whole bag at a time and freeze the extras. (Learn How To Cook & Freeze Beans here). You can do the same thing with lentils! Then just pull them out when you need them and add them to whatever you’re cooking.

You can add beans and legumes to casseroles and salads or use them to replace meat in your favorite dishes like Lentil Sloppy Joes or Lentil Veggie Curry.
Try these Asian Black Bean Burgers for an easy weeknight dinner that you can make ahead of time or learn how to add beans to breakfast.
You can even use them in baked goods. Try Lentil Banana Muffins, Chocolate Lentil Bars or Peanut Butter Chickpea Bars.

9) Soup – Soup is a great way to pack tons of nutrients into one easy meal.

Choose low-sodium broth, or better yet- make your own. You can always make extra and freeze. Just defrost when needed!
Add tons of veggies! Frozen veggies work great in soup and are packed with nutrients.
Add some protein- choose your favorite meat or opt for some high-fiber beans or lentils
Add some whole grains if you’d like!
This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup, Curried Sweet Potato Soup and Sweet Potato Chicken Chili are some of our favs!

10) Eggs – These are great for almost any meal. Cook them on the stove or use the instant pot.

Eat them for breakfast with some peanut butter toast.
Grab a couple for an afternoon snack.
Slice them up and add to salads for lunch or dinner!
You can also prep Egg Wraps or Egg Waffles for grab and go snacks.

Of course, there are tons of other foods that can be prepped ahead of time for a healthy week…these are just some of my staples that I turn to week after week!

If you want to learn more about food prep, check out my ebooks: The Ultimate Guide to Food Prep and Freezer Magic!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

March 18, 2022 by Lindsay 19 Comments

This recipe for Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins makes a great breakfast or grab-and-go snack. Make them with fresh cranberries, Craisins or chocolate chips!

*Originally published 12/2016. Updated 5/2021*

Hi friends!

Allow me to introduce you to these Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins. I first made these muffins back in 2016. It was right after Thanksgiving so I had tons of fresh cranberries I was looking to use up. Then I even added a little drizzled glaze to be fancy. But let’s be honest. With 3 little kids running around now, fancy muffins rarely happen anymore. But regular muffins do!

And when it comes down to it, these are really just basic sweet potato muffins. Yes, you can add cranberries- fresh or dried Craisins…but if you’re not a cranberry fan, feel free to skip them and add some chocolate chips instead!

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

Here’s what you need:

Cooked sweet potato – I just stab one with a knife a few times and microwave 5-6 minutes. You can also use canned sweet potato.
Eggs
Vanilla Extract & cinnamon – for flavor
Brown sugar – White sugar works too.
Milk – cows milk or plant-based milk of choice
Oil- I use avocado oil
Flour – I use white whole wheat flour
Cranberries or chocolate chips – fresh cranberries, Craisins or chocolate chips

To make an optional glaze you can combine powdered sugar with a little milk and drizzle over the top! This works really well during the holiday season when you’re tired of cookies, especially if you use fresh red cranberries! So pretty.

Here’s the recipe:

Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

This recipe for Cranberry Sweet Potato Muffins makes a great breakfast or grab-and-go snack. Use fresh or dried cranberries or swap chocolate chips

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup cooked, mashed sweet potato
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup brown sugar (increase to 2/3 cup for sweeter muffin)
2/3 cup milk (cow or plant-based)
1/4 cup oil (i use avocado)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp baking soda
1.5 cups flour (i used white whole wheat)
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries (or 1/3 – 1/2 cup Craisins or chocolate chips)

Instructions

Combine sweet potato, eggs, vanilla, brown sugar, milk, oil and cinnamon in a large bowl and mix until well mixed.
Add flour and baking soda and stir until just combined.
Mix in fresh cranberries or chocolate chips.
Scoop into lined muffin tins and bake at 375 for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool completely.

Hope you guys enjoy these! Here’s how they look with fresh cranberries and glaze:

Either way they’re delicious!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Ways To Eat Beans For Breakfast

October 19, 2021 by Lindsay 5 Comments

10 Ways to Eat Beans For Breakfast – Start your day with these easy recipes that are full of protein and fiber!

*Originally published July 2015. Updated April 2021.*

Hi friends!

Let’s talk breakfast beans and breakfast bean recipes! Do you like beans? Only at dinner? I’ve got good news. They’re good all day! Here are 10 ways to eat beans for breakfast!

Recently, I introduced you to the wonderful world of pulses in this post: What Are Pulses & 5 Ways To Eat Them. In case you need a refresher, pulses are a term that encompasses dry peas, beans, chickpeas and lentils.

Benefits of Beans for Breakfast

Here are a few good reasons to enjoy beans for breakfast! They’re a gluten-free source of protein and fiber. That means they’ll help fill you up and keep you full!

They are rich in important nutrients like iron, potassium and folate. In addition, they are very budget-friendly and also have a low carbon footprint.

In summary, beans can help to help keep you full and focused all morning long. They make a great addition to many traditional breakfast dishes. Check it out:

10 Ways To Eat Beans For Breakfast

Sweet Potato White Bean Bars –
My kids love these! Eat them on the run or pair with some fruit and yogurt for a quick breakfast! Or try these Lentil Banana Muffins! Legumes for breakfast are good too!

Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash
You could also make the hash ahead of time and then reheat throughout the week and top with a quick fried egg!

Make Ahead Breakfast Quesadillas
Make a batch of these to stock your freezer with a quick breakfast option.

High Protein Avocado Toast
Avo toast is all the rage. This version gets an extra nutritional boost from beans!

Huevos Rancheros Tostadas
These would be great for the next brunch you host!

Smoky White Bean Shakshuka
A hearty breakfast perfect for a cold morning!

Vegan Breakfast Tacos
No tofu required for these breakfast tacos. You can even make them ahead of time!

Huevos Rancheros Breakfast Sandwiches
Make one, wrap it up and eat it when you get to work!

Black Bean Breakfast Enchiladas
Enchiladas aren’t just for dinner! Add eggs for a breakfast twist.

Breakfast Burrito Egg Casserole
Make it over the weekend and reheat all week long!

I hope this gives you some inspiration. Remember that a lot of beans are interchangeable. If you don’t like black beans, swap them for white beans or even another member of the pulses family, likechickpeas!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg In The Microwave

October 19, 2021 by Lindsay 53 Comments

Microwave Egg Oatmeal- Pair eggs and oatmeal for an easy way to add some extra protein to your breakfast. Follow this recipe to learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg!

*Originally published 12/2015. Updated 4/2021*

Hi Friends!

This recipe for microwave egg oatmeal is a must-try! I’ve been making it for over six years. I’m a big fan of oatmeal in the morning. Oats + fruit + nut butter = a great start to my day.

I also focus a lot on making sure I get a good amount of protein at breakfast and oatmeal plus egg seemed like a great way to do that. Oats are a whole grain and full of fiber but I often get hungry quickly if I don’t add healthy fat to my oatmeal or pair it with protein.

Have you ever tried an egg in oatmeal?

I’ve always been a microwave oatmeal kinda girl. I don’t have the patience for cooking it on the stovetop. And this is a quick easy way to add some extra protein to your oatmeal.

You can use egg white or a whole egg based on your preference. Oatmeal and eggs make the perfect pair. Even my kids think so. Watch this quick video to see me making their oatmeal.

Microwave Egg Oatmeal

How To Make Oatmeal with Egg:

So here’s what you do:

Put oats, milk, chopped fruit and an egg/egg white in a bowl and mix it up.
Stick it in the microwave.
Stop and stir.
Cook a little more.
Stir in some nut butter.
Top with cinnamon and a few chocolate chips.

And bam! Breakfast is ready in under 5 minutes.

Here’s the actual recipe I use. You can adjust the quantities of oats, milk and egg to your liking:

How To Cook Oatmeal With An Egg

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 3 reviews

Learn how to cook oatmeal with an egg – an easy way to add some extra protein to breakfast!

Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: serves 1

Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup milk
1 egg white or egg
1/4 cup chopped fruit (optional)
optional toppings: cinnamon, nut butter, seeds, chocolate chips

Instructions

Combine oats, milk, egg/egg white and fruit (if using) in a bowl and mix well.
Microwave for 45 seconds.
Stir well.
Microwave another 30-60 seconds.
Top as desired and serve warm.

Feel free to use the whole egg or just egg white(s). My kids find the whole egg to be more noticeable so just prefer egg white.

Let’s chat:
What are your favorite oatmeal toppings?!

If you want to make your life even easier, try my Freezer Preap Oatmeal Cups!

And if you’re looking for more recipes using oats, try:

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

March 18, 2022 by Lindsay 179 Comments

These healthy Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins are packed with fruits and vegetables and make the perfect kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

**Post originally published in 2011. Last updated 2021.**

Hi friends!

This past weekend I made two batches of these Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins and I felt the need to share them with you again. I first shared this recipe on the blog waaaaayyyyy back in 2011. I’ve updated them multiple times over the past 10 years. It’s hard to know what to call them – apple zucchini muffins? Zucchini carrot muffins? Zucchini apple muffins? They’ve got a whole lot of goodness in them and they’ve stood the test of time! These healthy zucchini muffins are a must-try.

To me, they’re the perfect summer AND fall muffin. They’re great for using up all that zucchini you probably have around all summer and then you can go pick apples in the fall and make them again! But if zucchini apple muffins are not your jam, I have a whole bunch of other kid-friendly veggie-packed muffin and bar recipes! Find them here: Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes.

I store them in the fridge. If you prefer them sweeter, you can add more sugar. To make them dairy-free you could sub oil for melted butter. You could experiment with swapping applesauce for some of the sugar if you wanted.

If you’re worried about all of the shredded veggies in there, I often make these in a food processor to help make them less noticeable!

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

Here’s how you make them:

Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 14 reviews

These Zucchini Carrot Apple Muffins are packed with fruits and veggies and make a healthy, kid-friendly breakfast or snack!

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 25 min
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: makes 12 muffins 1x

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup shredded zucchini (excess water removed)
1/2 cup shredded apple (excess water removed)
1/2 cup shredded carrot (excess water removed)
4 Tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup applesauce
2 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1.5 cup white whole wheat flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ginger, optional

Instructions

Mix first 8 ingredients in a large bowl and stir until well combined.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until just mixed. Batter will be very thick. Stir well to ensure all flour is mixed in.
Scoop into greased or lined muffin tins.
Bake at 375 degrees F for 20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean.

Notes

Measure the zucchini, apple and carrots AFTER you squeeze the water out of them. I used 1 medium large zucchini, one large apple and 8-10 baby carrots.

To make the veggie less visable, I often make these in the food processor!

Just look at all the shredded fruits and veggies packed in there. Little Miss and I devoured like 6 of these yesterday.

Be sure to let me know if you make them this summer.

Muffins are one of my favorite things to add to my weekly food prep sessions to have on hand for healthy snacks! If you liked this post, you’ll love my ebook – The Ultimate Guide To Food Prep. It dives into even more detail about how to food prep, troubleshoots common problems and provides tons of tips to make it easier! Click the image below for more details!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

April 19, 2021 by Lindsay 46 Comments

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples makes a quick protein-packed lunch! You can also serve it with sliced vegetables and crackers for a healthy snack.

*Originally published 1/2015. Updated 4/2021*

Hi Friends!

I’ve got a protein-packed meal or snack idea for you! This Curried Tuna Salad with apples is perfect for a quick lunch or afternoon snack. Minus the apples, this is the same tuna salad my mom made for me growing up. She sometimes used canned chicken instead of tuna and I’ve even made it with canned salmon! I add the apples for a touch of sweetness but feel free to leave them out.

This easy tuna salad comes in especially handy as a busy mom because it can be made ahead of time and lasts several days in the fridge. When my kids were babies it seemed like I always needed to eat something at lightning speed in between naps, work etc so it was nice to have this on hand.

Here’s what you need:

Tuna- I use two cans per batch but you could easily double it to make more. Chunk light in water is my go-to.
Apples – I chop mine up pretty small but if you prefer a little sweetness with less chunks you could also grate the apple with a cheese grater and mix it in.
Hummus – I prefer hummus to mayo to make my tuna salad creamy but you could use mayo if you prefer. Sometimes I do a combination of hummus and mashed avocado.
Green onions – Their mild flavor is perfect for this tuna salad. They add flavor without being overly strong.
Optional veggies- Feel free to add extra veggies. I often throw in some diced bell pepper for crunch.
Curry powder – The star of the show!
Dried mustard – Another way to add subtle flavor.

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

Curry powder is one of my favorite spices and I especially love it in tuna and chicken salad. If you love it as well, you might like my curried sweet potato soup. Serve this tuna salad with your favorite crackers, or slices of cucumber or bell pepper for scooping!

Here’s what you need:

Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

A quick and easy lunch idea that’s full of flavor!

Author: Author: Lindsay L
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: serves 4

Ingredients

Scale

2 cans of tuna, drained
1/2 cup hummus
1/2 c apple, chopped or shredded
1/3 cup green onion, thinly sliced
1 – 2 tsp curry powder (start with 1, taste and add more)
1 tsp dry mustard powder
optional- diced red peppers

Instructions

Combine tuna and hummus and mix well.
Add remaining ingredients and str to combine.
Serve with veggie slices or crackers or eat it on a sandwich!

Notes

You can swap hummus for mayo if you want, or adjust the amount to get your desired amount of creaminess. You can also use some mashed avocado.

I like to use Sabra’s Supremely Spicy Hummus as a complement to the sweet apples but use whatever flavor you like!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

April 21, 2021 by Lindsay 1 Comment

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are easy to make and you’d never guess they’re gluten-free!

Hi friends!

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies have quickly become my new go-to cookie recipe. Since going gluten-free last summer, I’ve been on a quest to find a new cookie recipe that is both easy to make and enjoyable to eat. After much internet research and trying a few duds, I found this recipe from Meaningful Eats. It was delicious. But it was just a little too much work for me. It involves browning butter which, while delicious, is rarely something I’m in the mood to do.

After several rounds of tweaks, I’ve come up with my own recipe inspired by Erin’s and I’m so happy with it.

Chewy Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Here’s what you need:

Butter – I cut back on the butter by replacing half with almond butter because I think it adds a little depth of flavor. I tried replacing all the butter with almond butter and didn’t love the outcome so I wouldn’t recommend it!
Almond butter – you could also substitute peanut butter
Egg
Vanilla – for flavor!
Almond flour – I’m not personally a fan of gluten-free cookies made solely with almond flour, but this recipe has just enough to add a little chewiness!
Brown sugar – It helps make these cookies a little chewier than white sugar
1:1 Gluten-free flour – I love King Arthur measure for measure and have not tried this recipe with any other brands. If you use another brand, make sure it has xanthan gum in it!
Baking soda
Chocolate chips

These cookies are really simple to mix together. Note that while you’re stirring the dough may seem a little dry but you should be able to just mix them enough to get all the flour to mix in!

The only other note is that for best results, the cookie dough needs to sit for 20 minutes. I’ve noticed that when baking with gluten-free flour, cookies can come out a little gritty and grainy unless you let the dough rest first.

Here’s the recipe:

Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

These Chewy Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Cookies are easy to make and you’d never guess they’re gluten-free!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: 16-18 cookies 1x

Ingredients

Scale

4 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup almond butter
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 cup almond flour
2/3 cup brown sugar
1 cup + 2 Tbsp King Arther Measure for Measure Gluten-free Flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/3 cup chocolate chips
sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

In a microwave-safe bowl, add butter and almond butter. Microwave 1 minute or until butter is melted.
Stir in egg, brown sugar, almond flour and vanilla and mix well.
Spoon measure for measure flour into a measuring cup and level across the top and add to the bowl along with 2 more tablespoons. Do not scoop into the container or you’ll end up with too much flour.
Add baking soda and stir until combined. The dough may seem slightly dry but you should be able to mix just enough to get all the flour to mix in.
Stir in chocolate chips then let the dough sit for 20 minutes.
Scoop onto lined baking sheet, sprinkle with sea salt and bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes. You should be able to make 16-18 cookies.
Let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

Notes

For a sweeter cookie, you can increase to 3/4 cup brown sugar.

You can sub peanut butter for almond butter if desired.

If you use a different brand of GF flour, make sure it contains xanthan gum.

Don’t they look delicious?!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

March 23, 2021 by Lindsay 25 Comments

This Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip recipe is the perfect party appetizer. Made with beans for added fiber, it’s full of flavor and tastes great with crackers or vegetables!

*Originally published June 2012. Updated Mar 2021*

Hi Friends!

This Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip is a must-try for sure! I first made this roasted red pepper feta dip way back in 2012 and it’s still a favorite of my husband and I. I’ve made a few adjustments to the original recipe – mainly cutting out the yogurt and using a whole can of beans instead of just one cup but I think these changes make it even better!

I originally developed this recipe after one of our favorite restaurants stopped serving it on their hummus platter. I was devastated and knew I needed to recreate it for us to enjoy at home.

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip Ingredients

Here’s what you need for this simple dip:

White beans – I use great northern beans. They’re very mild in flavor so they allow the flavor of the feta to shine through, while still adding some protein and fiber to the dip!
Roasted red pepper – I make mine at home – just stick one in the oven on a baking tray for 30 minutes or so and then remove the skin, stem and seeds.
Roasted garlic – Since I already roast my red pepper, I just roast some garlic at the same time. Roasted garlic has a milder flavor so if you replace it with minced garlic, use less!
Feta cheese – You can buy a block and crumble it or buy it pre-crumbled like I do.
Cayenne pepper – This is what gives it that kick. Use as much or as little as you’d like!

Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip

Here’s how you make it:

Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

This Spicy Red Pepper Feta Dip recipe is the perfect party appetizer. Made with beans for added fiber, it’s full of flavor and tastes great with crackers or vegetables!

Author: Lindsay L

Ingredients

Scale

1 red bell pepper
6 cloves roasted garlic (I roast one small bulb)
1 (14.5 oz) cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
1 tsp cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp oil
1 (4oz) container crumbled feta (approx 3/4 cup)

Instructions

Place the red pepper on a baking sheet. Cut the top off the bulb of garlic, drizzle with olive oil and wrap in foil. Place it on the baking sheet as well.
Roast the pepper and garlic in the oven at 400 degrees for 40 minutes.
Let pepper cool slightly, peel off the skin and remove stem, seeds and extra liquid.
In a food processor, combine roasted pepper and garlic, crumbled feta, oil, cayenne pepper and beans. Process until well combined.
Taste and add additional cayenne pepper if desired. Serve with crackers, veggies or pita or use as a topping in Greek bowls, on burgers etc.

Notes

The original recipe called for 1/2 cup Greek yogurt. I don’t use that anymore but you can certainly add to give it a boost of protein.

Serve this at your next party and it’s sure to be a hit!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

50 Packable Lunch Ideas

July 13, 2022 by Lindsay 63 Comments

Here are 50 packable lunch ideas that are quick, easy and healthy! Perfect for kids and adults if you’re tired of packing the same thing every day!

*Originally published Sept 2012*

Hi Friends!

Let’s chat about packable lunch ideas. Whether you’re looking for packed lunch ideas for adults or kids, lunch ideas for work, cold lunch ideas or healthy lunch sides, this post has you covered! I don’t follow strict lunch packing rules, but I do always try to include:

-Fresh fruit
-A whole grain
-A protein source
-At least some vegetables

I think a lot of people feel like they have to make their packed lunch with one big dish and some sides. I rarely do this. I generally pack 3-4 healthy lunch sides so I can enjoy a little bit of a lot of things. More fun to eat that way!

If you need more packable lunch ideas for kids, I have a whole guide! Find it here: A Month of Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids.

Packable Lunch Ideas

Another benefit to packing my lunch for me personally is eating more vegetables. When I have the whole fridge and pantry to choose from, I typically avoided veggies and chose other things. Now that I have to eat whatever I bring with me, I just make sure to include veggies in my packable lunch ideas for the week and then I eat them! Simple as that!

Here are 50 packable lunch ideas to inspire you to pack some fun new lunches! Within the list, ‘ve included links to recipes from the blog if I have them but those are by no means the only recipes you should try! Check out the general ideas and then do your own searches for those types of recipes that fit your taste preferences!

Healthy Lunch Ideas for Work

Protein-Packed Salads
Strawberry Chicken Spinach Power Salad
Steak Cobb Salad
Crunchy Kale Salad with Couscous

Hummus with Dippers
Greek Hummus Topping

Tuna/Chicken/Chickpea Salad and Crackers
Curried Tuna Salad with Apples

Meatballs
Thai Chicken Meatballs
Apple Cheddar Turkey Meatballs
Paleo Turkey Sweet Potato Meatballs
Carrot Pineapple Turkey Meatballs

Burgers
Avocado Chicken Burgers
Thai Peanut Salmon Burgers

Muffins or Bars
Lentil Banana Muffins
Carrot Applesauce Muffins
Banana Carrot Muffins
Sweet Potato White Bean Bars

Soup
White Chicken Chili
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Chicken Soup
Sweet Potato Chicken Chili

Roasted Chickpeas
How To Roast Chickpeas
Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix

Pasta Salad
Maple Mustard Roasted Veggie Pasta Salad
Broccoli Pesto Pasta Salad

Frozen Smoothie (freeze in mason jar to thaw in lunchbox)
Silken Tofu Berry Smoothie
Kid-Friendly Smoothie Recipes

Pancakes/Waffles with Nut Butter or Yogurt
Green Smoothie Pancakes
Banana Flax Waffles
Sweet Potato Waffles

Wraps or Sandwiches
Egg Wraps
5 Ways To Make Sandwiches More Fun
Homemade Whole Wheat Tortillas

Loaded Sweet Potato
Pulled Pork Loaded Sweet Potatoes
Top a baked sweet potato with leftover taco filling or chili

Protein or Granola Bars
No Bake Protein Bars
Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids

Mac & Cheese
Stovetop Mac & Cheese w/ Sausage & Peas

Healthy Bars/Cookies
Gluten-Free Pumpkin Yogurt Bars
Sweet Potato Protein Cookies

Popcorn
Sweet & Spicy Popcorn Snack Mix
Healthy Microwave Popcorn

Pudding
Chocolate Avocado Pudding
Peanut Butter Banana Chia Pudding

Vegetables
Easy Spinach Balls
Maple Bacon Roasted Carrots

Tacos
Turkey Walnut Taco Meat
Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip
Curried Sweet Potato & Black Bean Tacos

Noodles (Good Warm or Cold)
Instant Pot Asian Peanut Noodles
Chicken Pad Thai
Sweet & Spicy Shrimp With Soba Noodles

Seafood Cakes
Tuna Quinoa Cakes

Lettuce Wraps
Asian Lettuce Wraps

Egg Cups/Baked Eggs
Paleo Breakfast Casserole
Egg Waffles

Energy Balls
Lemon Energy Balls
Mint Chocolate Energy Balls
12 Kid-Friendly Energy Balls

Roll-ups
Baked Ranch Chicken Taquitos

More Simple Ideas
Fruit + Greek yogurt
Overnight oats
Hard-boiled or deviled eggs
Raw veggie sticks
Homemade trail mix
Apples or celery + peanut butter
Peanut butter + crackers
String cheese
Spiced roasted nuts
Cottage cheese + Tomatoes
Chips + Guac or Salsa
Leftovers
Sushi
Jerky
Homemade ramen noodles
Spring rolls
Burrito bowl
Fruit or Veggie chips
Sweet potato + Almond butter
Steamed edamame

Do you pack your lunch?
I’d love to hear your favorite packable lunch ideas!

Happy Packing!

–Lindsay–

Easy Banana Oat Bars

March 18, 2022 by Lindsay 83 Comments

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, dairy-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack. Grab the kids and try this recipe today!

*Originaly published in Jan 2017. Updated Mar 2021*

Hi friends!

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are a kid favorite around here and they’re so darn easy. Plus they’re the perfect recipe for having the kids help! You guys know I’m a huge proponent of kids in the kitchen! I’ve got a whole roundup of Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes if you’re looking for a place to start.

We make these Banana Oatmeal Bars fairly frequently because they’re pretty forgiving. They don’t require exact measurements and always taste good. Plus I always have ripe bananas on hand. Looking for other banana recipes? These Lentil Banana Muffins are another favorite.

So what ingredients do you need for these banana breakfast bars?

Bananas – The riper the better because we don’t add a ton of added sugar to this recipe.
Oats – Rolled oats work best. Instant oat will change the texture.
Peanut Butter – Adds some healthy fats and boosts the protein content.
Maple syrup – Depending on how ripe your bananas are, you can adjust how much maple syrup you need.
Egg, Baking soda, vanilla, cinnamon and chocolate chips

As you can see, there’s nothing fancy and you probably have all these ingredients on hand already!

Banana Oat Bars

My hope is these posts and videos will encourage you guys to grab your kiddos, head to the kitchen to make these healthy banana oat breakfast bars and make some beautifully messy memories!

How To Make Banana Oatmeal Bars

Easy Banana Oat Bars

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 6 reviews

These Easy Banana Oat Bars are gluten-free, kid-friendly and make the perfect snack.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8x8 or 9x9 pan 1x

Ingredients

Scale

3/4 cup ripe bananas
1.5 cups rolled oats
1/2 cup peanut butter
2–4 Tbsp maple syrup
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon
1/4 cup chocolate chips

Instructions

Mash bananas in a bowl.
Add oats, peanut butter, maple syrup and egg and mix well.
Add remaining ingredients and stir until combined.
Pour into a 9×9 baking pan lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 375 for 18 minutes.
Let cool, cut and serve.

Notes

This recipe is very forgiving. A little extra banana or oats won’t hurt. You can leave out the maple syrup or chocolate chips if you want.

Super easy. This recipe is very forgiving. I usually just use 2-3 bananas and don’t measure. Anywhere from 1.5-2 cups of oats is fine, it doesn’t have to be exact. You can leave out the maple syrup if your bananas are super ripe.

Let’s chat:

Do your kids help you in the kitchen? What’s your favorite thing to make?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

Freezer Chicken Tenders

February 25, 2021 by Lindsay 86 Comments

These Freezer Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep. Make several batches ahead of time and stick them in the freezer. On a busy night, just pull them out, bake from frozen and have dinner on the table in 30 minutes!

*Originally published Jan 2015. Updated Feb 2018 & Feb 2021*

Hi Friends!

Allow me to introduce you to these Freezer Chicken Tenders. They’re of my favorite food prep recipes. Let’s talk about food prep for a minute, shall we? A lot of times when we think about food prep or meal prep, we’re focusing only on planning for the week ahead. But sometimes it can be just as helpful to spend a day making things to stock your freezer, (like these frozen chicken tenders) so that you can pull them out over the coming weeks when you have a busy night, don’t get around to food prep or find yourself just too tired to cook.

I first made these Freezer Chicken Tenders when I was stocking my freezer before my first baby was born. They were such a hit that I’ve made them over and over again since then and even made them several times for fellow new moms so they have a kid-friendly dinner on hand to prep for a whiny toddler while holding a screaming newborn.

Freezer Chicken Tenders

It’s easy to make several batches at once so you can stock your freezer and you can bake them straight from frozen so you don’t have to remember to thaw anything out! How long to bake frozen chicken tenders will depend on how thick they are!

What ingredients do you need?

Chicken – boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best!
Flour- to dredge the chicken before dipping. You can also use cornstarch
Egg – to dip the chicken in to help the breadcrumbs stick
Breadcrumbs – I use panko breadcrumbs but regular are fine too. You can sub crushed gluten-free cereal for a GF version.
Seasonings – I usually use a mix of paprika and garlic powder. To change things up, try everything but the bagel seasoning, cayenne for spice or even a ranch twist!

I usually serve them with mac and cheese and some steamed veggies for a quick, hands-off meal!

Here’s the recipe…but remember, you don’t really have to measure. You can make as many batches as you like and you really just need enough flour to dredge them, enough egg to coat them and enough breadcrumbs to cover them. So don’t stress about measuring exactly!

How To Cook Frozen Chicken Tenders

Freezer Chicken Tenders

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 5 reviews

Author: Lindsay
Prep Time: 5 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2-3 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken tenders
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (i use whole wheat)
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne, optional
1 egg
3 Tbsp flour

Instructions

Place the flour on a small plate, the breadcrumbs and seasonings on another and the egg in a bowl (poke the yolk and stir it around until mixed).
Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in the egg and then coat with breadcrumbs.
Line the tenders up on a plate or pan and freeze for at least 2 hours.
Remove from pan and place in a large ziploc bag. Remove as much air as possible and store in the freezer.
When ready to eat, place a cooling rack on a large baking sheet and place tenders on the rack (or just place on a greased or foil-lined cookie sheet)
Bake from frozen at 375 degrees for approximately 25 minutes or until tenders reach 165 degrees F.

Notes

To make these gluten-free, toss in gluten-free cornstarch and roll in crushed Rice Chex!

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled and measurements don’t have to be exact.

I bake mine on a cooling rack and they come out nice and crispy- perfect for dipping in ketchup, bbq sauce or honey mustard sauce! Cooking times may vary depending on how thick your tenders are. You could also cut them into small pieces and make nuggets!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Healthy Ways To Eat Apples For Breakfast

October 19, 2021 by Lindsay 16 Comments

Have extra apples? Here are 10 recipes for healthy apple breakfasts (or snacks!) From smoothies to oatmeal, they’re delicious and kid-friendly too!

*Originally published Oct 2015. Updated Feb 2021*

Hi friends!

Let’s chat about healthy apple breakfast recipes! This post was originally published in the Fall after a weekend of apple picking. I found myself with a surplus of apples and started looking for some quick and easy ways to use them up. Apples are a great addition to pretty much any meal, any time of day.

I focused on breakfast ideas with apples because breakfast is often the meal my kids eat best and I’m always looking for new healthy options for them. So why not add some apple breakfast ideas to the rotation, right?!

If you’re looking beyond breakfast, here are 15 Healthy Recipes Using Apples for lunch, dinner snack time and even dessert!

In addition to being naturally sweet, apples are a great source of fiber if you leave the skin on! Fiber helps keep you full and satisfied, especially when paired with protein and/or healthy fats!

All of these recipes have me drooling and I plan to work my way through the list. Join me? Who doesn’t need more healthy apple recipes for breakfast?

Healthy Apple Breakfasts

Almond Flour Apple Cake

Or try these Roasted Sweet Potato & Apple Yogurt Bowls

Apple Cinnamon Blender Muffins

Apple Pear Oatmeal Smoothie

Apple Peanut Butter Crunch Wraps

Apple Cheddar Omelet

Apple Pie Breakfast Quinoa

Raw Apple Cinnamon Chia Breakfast Bowl

Baked Breakfast Apples

Paleo Slow Cooker Butternut Squash N’Oatmeal

Honey Apple Oatmeal Muffins

As you can see there are many ways to enjoy apples for healthy breakfasts (or snacks!) Pin these ideas for later so you can revisit them!

Healthy Apple Breakfast Recipes

Let’s chat:
What’s your favorite apple recipe? Leave me a link.
Doesn’t have to be breakfast related 🙂

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

10 Healthy Toddler Snacks

July 13, 2022 by Lindsay 19 Comments

Nutritious and delicious, these healthy toddler snacks are easy to make and perfect for little kids and big kids too!

*Originally published May 2015. Updated Feb 2021*

Hi Friends!

We’re talking toddler snacks today! Specifically, healthy snacks for toddlers. One of the most frequent questions people ask me as a Registered Dietitian is “do you have any snack ideas for me?” Kids eat a lot of snacks and it’s easy to run out of ideas or fall into a rut. This post was actually first published before my oldest was even a toddler, way back in 2015. Now I have three kiddos and my youngest is a toddler! Which means I’ve got snack time going on in triplicate over here.

I hope this list will give you some inspiration. Toddler snacks don’t need to be complicated or expensive! My top tips are to focus on set snack times versus letting them graze all day and always including a protein source at snack time! If you need a refresher on toddler choking hazards or storebought ideas, check out this post: Healthy Snacks For Toddlers.

And if you want even more snack ideas, I’ve got several posts to help you out:

And remember that these snacks can also go into lunch boxes! Check out my guide: A Month of Easy Packed Lunches for Kids if you need more lunch box ideas.

Here are some ideas:

Healthy Toddler Snacks

Cottage Cheese: Serve it alone or pair it with whole-grain cereal and some fruit for a twist on a yogurt parfait. It can be high in sodium so as always, variety is key! And if they’re not fans, lower sugar yogurts (or plain yogurt with fruit mixed in is great too!)
Hummus: Perfect for dipping raw veggies like carrots, celery, cucumbers and bell peppers (be careful with raw veggies- they can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). You can also serve with crackers or chips or add to pizza or sandwiches.
Avocado: A great source of healthy fats. Mash it up for avocado toast, make guacamole for dipping or just slice and serve!
Nut Butter: Healthy fats help keep them full! Add peanut butter or other nut/seed butters to oatmeal, drizzle on banana slices or spread on toast, waffles or pancakes!
Whole Grain Cereal: Check out my list of Lower Sugar Cereal for Kids. Pair with milk, yogurt or a hard-boiled egg!

Healthy Snacks For Toddlers

Muffins/Bars: I’ve got tons of muffin and bar recipes that make great snacks! You can find most of these toddler snack recipes in this Kid-Friendly Baking Recipes post. A few favorites of ours are the Lentil Banana Muffins, Carrot Oat Bars and Sweet Potato White Bean Bars
Smoothies: Smoothies are a great way to get extra fruit and veggies into your toddler’s diet. Mix with a little milk or yogurt and you have added protein and calcium, among other important nutrients. Spinach, zucchini and cauliflower are easy veggies to add to smoothies without altering the taste or texture too much. My boys’ favorite combo is frozen mixed berries, spinach, milk and a little orange juice. This Peach Zucchini Smoothie Bowl is also a fav, along with this Silken Tofu Mixed Berry Smoothie!
Oatmeal: It’s not just for breakfast! Make it with milk for protein and stir in a scoop of peanut butter for healthy fats. Top with berries or a few chocolate chips. You can even make a big batch ahead of time, freeze in muffin tins and thaw in the microwave. Learn how in my post for Freezer Prep Oatmeal Cups.
Trail Mix: Homemade trail mix is SO easy and can be adapted based on your child’s favorite add-ins. Try this toddler Nut-Free Toddler Trail Mix or make up your own combination using cereal, small crackers, dried fruit and small nuts if they’re older (nuts can be a choking hazard for young toddlers). Freeze-dried fruits and veggies are a great option for younger kiddos or things like Hippeas or Harvest Snaps!
Kabobs: Cubes of cheese and small pieces of fruit are fun for kids to help make and eat! Remember round fruits like blueberries can be a choking hazard for young toddlers. You can always cut them in half before adding to kabobs!

If you want more snack ideas, I have the ultimate resource for you – The Snack Spark! It’s a simple PDF packed with balanced snack pairings, store-bought snack suggestions, allergy-friendly snacks, prep ahead snacks and more! Learn more about The Snack Spark here!

Need more snack ideas for toddlers?

Sweet Potato Banana Bites
Egg Wraps
Frozen English Muffin Pizzas
Banana Flax Waffles
My Go-To Energy Balls (press them into a pan and cut into bars to make them easier for young toddlers to eat!)

And if you’re looking for store-bought snacks, I’ve gotcha covered there too!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

PS. Thanks to my friend Katie at Mom to Mom Nutrition for the original inspiration for this post! See these types of snacks in action in her real-life photos below!

60+ Healthy Packaged Snacks For Kids

July 13, 2022 by Lindsay 15 Comments

This list of healthy packaged snacks for kids (and adults too!) is meant to provide inspiration for busy parents who are looking for some new ideas. Homemade snacks are great but there are also some good prepackaged store-bought options available!

*Originally published March 2018. Updated February 2021*

Hi Friends!

You guys know I’m a huge fan of making homemade snacks for my kiddos, but there are definitely times when store-bought, prepackaged options are both handy and necessary. We all know there are times when we need some individually wrapped snacks.

I also recognize that not everyone enjoys or has time to make homemade snacks and I’ve had lots of requests for my thoughts on healthy packaged snack options and what healthy school snacks to buy. So, I visited Meijer, Kroger, Giant Eagle, Costco, Fresh Thyme, Trader Joe’s & Whole Foods to round up some ideas for you.

Note if you’re looking for store-specific snacks, I have you covered:

Need more snack ideas?

Granola Bars & Cereals

If you’re looking specifically for granola bars or cereals, I have separate posts just for those: Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids and Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids.

And remember that all of these snacks would be great for lunches as well. I have a guide: A Month of Easy Packed Lunch Ideas for Kids if you need more lunch box ideas!

A few notes:

This is not a sponsored post. None of these companies asked to be included or even knew I was putting this post together.
While I originally intended this round-up to be geared towards kids, there are a lot of things adults could enjoy as well.
We have not tried all of these. I repeat – I have not personally tried all of these, nor have my kids. I have no idea if my kids like them all and have no doubt there are some they would not eat.

I firmly believe everyone is entitled to their opinions about what makes a healthy snack. The products I’ve chosen are ones that I think are good choices both as a Registered Dietitian and as a mom of three young kids. I have no doubt there are people (even other dietitians) who will disagree with products on this list. That’s fine!

I’m not saying these are things you have to feed your kids. I’m not even saying these are the only healthy packaged snack options. I know there are tons more out there and I will continue to add to this post as I come across more! I’m simply sharing these ideas to inspire you and hopefully help you find a few new options for you to try with your kiddos.

Healthy Snacks For Kids To Buy

When I’m looking at packaged snacks, I try to find options that have at least a few grams of protein and fiber, and I try to choose options that are low in added sugar. I don’t have a set-in-stone rule, but generally, if there are at least 3 grams of protein and/or fiber and less than 5-6 grams of sugar (although some are higher due to natural sugars in fruit, milk, etc), I’m pretty happy.

I tried to link to the specific product I showed in the pictures so you can click the link and see the nutritional info. I took pictures of all the labels but they got blurry and hard to read when I tried to include them in the collages. If you visit my Instagram profile, I have most of these (and the labels) saved to my highlights so you can click through them there too.

So here are some ideas for you:

Healthy Packaged Snacks

Wholly Guacamole Minis – serve it with chips, crackers or veggies
Sabra Hummus Singles – perfect for dipping mini carrots, snap peas, red peppers strips or crackers!
Love Grown Foods Polar Puffs – bean-based cereals. Buy a big box to portion yourself or snag the cups. My kids also like the Fruity Sea Stars.
Lunchables – lots of different brands have something like this available. Remember that you could also easily make a week’s worth of these yourself by buying a box of Triscuits, a block of cheese and your favorite low-sodium turkey!

Stonyfield Organic Whole Milk Pouches – love that these are whole milk and have some veggies. There’s also a Berry Beet flavor. They also have whole milk smoothies which are a bit high in sugar for me but great for an occasional quick, on the go protein option.
Angie’s Boom Chicka Pop – The sea salt flavor has no sugar. Just popcorn, oil and salt…and each serving has 3g protein, 4g fiber and it’s a whole grain! Buy a big bag and portion into small bags for snacks on the go.
Annie’s Whole Wheat Bunnies – love that they’re whole wheat and baked!
Fruit/veg, nut & cheese packs – Available in a lot of combos from different companies like Sargento, Horizon Organic etc. Again, you could easily make several of these yourself fairly quickly at home with a bag of nuts, a blog of cheese and a bag of baby carrots.
Skinny Pop Popcorn Cakes – Fun to eat, a good whole grain option. (not pictured)

Lifeway Kefir – love the 8 ounce size for a drinkable on the go source of probiotics and protein!
Mamma Chia Chia Squeeze – easy way to add some fiber on the go!
Made In Nature Figgy Pops – love all the products from this company. So many great flavors, all made with simple ingredients!
InnoFoods Coconut Clusters – I saw these at Costco. Nut-free option! You can also buy them on Amazon.

Lifeway ProBugs – No-spill pouches for on the go! Protein and probiotics.
Enjoy Life Grain Chewy Bars – They don’t make the grain and seed bars pictured above anymore but their chewy bars are a good, allergy-friendly option! You can also check out their Protein Bites
Triscuits – Staple cracker in our house. Pair with veggies, hummus, cheese, etc.
Quaker Breakfast Flats – not my first choice because they’re a bit high in sugar but a good occasional option and they do have whole grains and some protein and fiber.

Barbara’s Cinnamon Puffins – Another low sugar cereal that my toddler loves!
KIND Cinnamon Oat Bars – A good one to stash in your purse for snack emergencies.
Sun Chips – tend to be a hit with both adults and kids!
Crazy Richard’s Singles – spread it on bread or crackers, dip fruit slices in or eat it plain. Also check out their Wholly Rollies (protein balls)

Enjoy Life Foods Plentils – Crunchy, have some protein, come in a bunch of flavors!
Siggis 4% – low in added sugar, simple ingredients! They also have 4% tubes that my kids love, especially frozen! Chobani Less Sugar is another good option.
KIND Whole Fruit Bars – just a few ingredients, chia seeds to add fiber! (different packaging now- formerly called Pressed by KIND)
Simple Mills Crackers – gluten-free, almond flour crackers with minimal ingredients. Several different flavors!

Bada Bean, Bada Boom – Great source of protein & fiber. I love mixing the cinnamon and the sea salt ones. (New packaging than the photo above. Formerly called Enlightened Broad Bean Crisps)
Bare Apple Chips – Just apples. Super crunchy. Great for dipping in PB.
Quaker Overnight Oats – A bit high in added sugar for me, but I like the concept. You could easily prep 5-6 of something similar with oats, nuts and dried fruit in mason jars and just add your milk or yogurt the night before you want to eat!
Enjoy Life Seed & Fruit Packs – Nut-free trail mix option.

Unique Sprouted Pretzel Shells – A fun way to change things up! They also make Pretzel Splits
Half Pops – A crunchier way to eat popcorn. Better for older kids and adults.
Cinnamon & Sugar SuperSeedz – Eat them plain or add to homemade trail mix. Other flavor options available! Nut-free!
Biena Chickpea Snacks – Another nut-free option for protein and fiber. Good by themselves or in a mix. Multiple flavor options.

Lorissa’s Kitchen – Lots of great flavors. Store it in your purse or in the car for on the go! They also make sticks!
RX Bar Kids and Larabar Minis
Chomps Grass-Fed Beef Sticks – My oldest is a big fan of these.
Bamba Peanut Snacks – Easy way to introduce young kiddos to peanut butter. There are other brands making a similar product.

The 4 snacks below are specific to Trader Joe’s. Want more Trader Joe’s? Here are the Best Trader Joe’s Snacks.

Cashew Apricot Date & Nut Bites
Granola Bars – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 6g sugar
Chia Bars – 3g protein, 3g fiber, 4g sugar
Oatmeal Cups – Only ingredients are oats, brown sugar, freeze-dried fruit and cinnamon. 9g protein, 6g fiber and 5g sugar.

Trail Mix – I look for a good mix of nuts, seeds & dried fruit.
Organic Valley Stringles – I pair these with some crackers or fruit usually
Bitsy’s Smart Crackers – Nut-free and baked into shapes you can play with! Lots of flavors.
Somersaults – Nut-free with lots of protein and fiber.

Rhythm Superfoods Kale Chips – A crunchy and flavorful way to try to get some veggies in. They also make beet chips and carrot sticks!
Natierra Freeze-Dried Peas – Great, nut-free protein source. Would be great mixed with a few other things in a trail mix.
Lesser Evil Himalayan Gold Popcorn – A dairy-free, buttery-tasting popcorn
Beanitos White Bean Chips – Serve with guacamole, hummus or salsa! Good source of protein and fiber.

Harvest Snaps Snapea Crisps – Another good protein source!
Chia Pod – Dairy-free with protein and fiber. Available in different flavors.
Hard-Boiled Eggs – Lots of companies make them. Pair with a healthy carb!
Hippeas – kinda like an amped-up cheese puff! Lots of fun flavors.

RW Garcia Sweet Potato Crackers – pair with cheese or hummus for dipping!
Terra Sweets & Beets – Great way to add some veggies!
Off The Eaten Path Veggie Crisps – a few different flavor options!
Trail Mix – Sometimes you just need to add m&ms 🙂

Above are a few I found specifically at Aldi.

A few more ideas:

Sunmaid Sour Raisins – When I asked people for their kids fav snacks these showed up surprisingly often! Pair with protein!
That’s It Fruit Bars – Several other brands available as well. Just fruit! Pair with protein!
My SuperSnacks Granola Bites – Lots of yummy flavors!

Remember:

If you’re looking specifically for granola bars or cereals, I have separate posts just for those: Healthy Store-Bought Granola Bars for Kids and Lower Sugar Cereals for Kids.

That’s it for now! I’ll keep adding as I find more! If you liked this post, be sure to share and pin it for later!

Healthy Packaged Snacks For Kids

Let’s chat:

What’s your favorite healthy packaged snack for kids? Leave a comment so I can check it out!

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

January 31, 2021 by Lindsay Leave a Comment

This easy Hot Taco Layer Dip is perfect for tailgating. This vegetarian appetizer is made with easy homemade refried beans, creamy hummus, corn salsa and cheese. Perfect for scooping with chips!

Thanks to Bush’s® Beans for sponsoring this post.

Hi friends!

The big game is right around the corner and this hot taco layer dip is sure to make you a fan favorite. It’s perfect for an appetizer or side dish, comes together quickly and it is packed with flavor.

We’re big sports fans around here and for several years now I’ve been searching for the perfect game day recipe. One I can whip up quickly if we’re hanging out in the living room. I’ve finally found that recipe.

Hot Taco Layer Dip

This warm layered bean dip is pure perfection. While the general idea of this recipe isn’t new, this recipe has a few specifics that really make it stand out.

First, I teach you just how easy it is to make refried beans at home using Bush’s® Pinto Beans. All you need are the following basic ingredients:

Bush’s® Pinto Beans
Garlic
Seasonings – chili powder, cumin and salt
Lime juice

That’s it! And if you have a cast-iron skillet you can build this layer dip right in the pan. Just sauté the garlic in a little oil. Add the drained beans, seasonings and lime juice, sauté for a few more minutes and then smash to the desired consistency. Then just spread them around the pan to make the bottom layer of your dip!

Next, I swapped the traditional mixture of cream cheese and sour cream for a blend of creamy hummus, salsa and some green chiles. If you have a few extra minutes you can even make a batch of simple hummus using Bush’s® Garbanzo Beans, lemon juice, tahini, garlic and oil.

Finally, we throw together a simple corn salsa to layer on. Made with just:

Corn
Red onion
Tomatoes
Jalapeno
Cilantro
Lime juice

Top it all off with a few handfuls of shredded cheese, and pop it in the oven until it’s warm and bubbly. This type of dip often has a layer of ground meat, but I love the plant protein you get in this recipe from both the refried beans and hummus!

Trust me when I say you won’t be able to resist dipping a chip (or 10) into this dip! Here’s how you make it:

The Ultimate Hot Taco Layer Dip

Print Recipe

This easy Hot Taco Layer Dip is perfect for tailgating. This vegetarian appetizer is made with easy homemade refried beans, creamy hummus, corn salsa and cheese. Perfect for scooping with chips!

Author: Lindsay
Yield: serves 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tbsp oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 (16oz) cans Bush’s Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed
Juice from one lime
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp salt

3/4 cup hummus
1/2 cup jarred salsa
1–2 tsp taco seasoning (depending on your taste preference)
1 (4oz) can diced green chiles (optional- make sure they are well-drained as they will add a little moisture to the dish)

1 (16oz) can corn, drained
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 jalapeno, minced (optional)
2 Tbsp minced cilantro
juice from one lime
1/4 tsp salt

1 cup shredded cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

In a large cast-iron skillet, sauté garlic in oil over medium heat for 2 minutes.
Add beans, lime juice, cumin, chili powder and 1/2 tsp salt. Sauté 5 minutes.
Use a potato masher to mash to the desired consistency. If baking in a cast-iron skillet simply remove from heat and spread refried beans evenly over bottom of skillet. (If baking in a pan, you can make the beans in any skillet then transfer to a 9×9 pan or other baking dish.)
In a bowl, mix hummus, salsa, taco seasoning and chiles (if using) and spread evenly over bean layer.
In a bowl, mix corn, onion, tomatoes, jalapeno, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Stir to combine and then layer over the hummus mixture.
Top with shredded cheese.
Bake at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes. Top with green onions after removing from the oven. Serve warm.

Notes

My cast-iron skillet is about 10 inches across the bottom.

Feel free to add other toppings like guacamole, salsa, diced avocado, olives, etc!

You can make this spicy by using jalapeno in the corn salsa and hot green chiles. You can also add cayenne pepper to the hummus mix or even use spicy hummus!

Don’t let the homemade aspects of this recipe intimidate you. It’s just a few simple steps and the end result is so worth it!

What’s your favorite game day appetizer?

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–