I have always tried to feed my kids as healthy as possible. And since they were both considered Milk and Soy Protein Intolerant (MSPI) and had Gastrointestinal Reflux Disease (GERD) as infants I really had to think outside the box when it came to snacks.
My son also had a wheat sensitivity so that eliminated a lot of the prepackaged toddler snacks. If you look at the back of any given Gerber (or the like) Baby or Toddler food you are likely to find one of these in it; Powdered Milk Whey or some form of Wheat or Whole Grain. The ever so popular ‘Puffs’ from Gerber made my sons face break out in hives!
So as I weened my kids from Hypoallergenic Formula (Similac Allimentum) to a Soy Formula to Regular Formula and Finally Soy milk and Whole Milk, I had to do the same with their foods. Everything had to be pure and simple. Some baby foods I ended up making myself because it was easier. As they transitioned from babies to ‘self-feeders’ and on into toddlers/preschoolers the search continued for snacks that they would enjoy and were healthy and safe for them to eat.
The two P’s have now outgrown their allergies (however my son continues to have some reflux as well as a very sensitive stomach…dr. said possibility of IBS) they continue to eat, and LOVE, these healthy snacks!
1. Tofu: a great source of protein with low calories and fat. I buy the extra-firm organic kind and cube it up just as you would do with cheese. It is ready to eat strait out of the package!
2. Edamame: or soybeans are another great source of protein and some dietary fiber. I buy the pre-shelled fozen bags of them and then heat them up as needed.
3. Blueberries: Perfect fruit for self-feeders! they are small enough for them to pick up and squishy enough to eat. Pack with antioxidants, Vitamin A and Vitamin C…you can’t go wrong. You can also purchase dried blueberries for when you’re on the go!
4. Hummus: another source of protein as well as fiber, you can serve it with pita or veggies sticks as a tasty alternative to a ranch dip.
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