As a mom of two young kids, it seems like I spend most of my day preparing meals and snacks. Now that my oldest is back at preschool, having planned snacks during the week saves me a lot of time when we are running to and from activities. I love snacks that can be thrown together quickly and are easy to transport wherever we find ourselves throughout the day.

When my daughter was beginning to eat more solid foods, I found myself getting overwhelmed over what snacks to buy at the grocery store. Over time I began to realize that I could offer the same foods that we eat at mealtimes, just in snack portions. This also allows me to prep snacks at the same time I prepare meals. I aim for 3 food groups in our snacks. Typically, this looks like a protein + a fruit/vegetable + a grain item. My main goal when choosing snacks is to offer a variety while also providing foods that will keep my kids’ tummies full until we have our next meal. Some days I still hear “Mom, I’m hungry!” more times than I would like to admit, but at least I can make snack time easier by having a plan.

I usually go to the grocery store once a week. When I write out my grocery list, I include a few additional items that I need for well-balanced snacks, and then I keep a running list in my kitchen of what combinations I can create for the week. Having a 13-month-old and an almost 5-year-old keeps me on my toes. Anything I can do to take the guesswork out of my day, the better!

A few of my girls’ favorite snack combos are below. Check out Spend Smart. Eat Smart. for more snack ideas!

• After School Hummus, whole grain crackers, and cut-up or cooked carrots/broccoli/cucumbers.
• Homemade Applesauce , graham crackers, and peanut or almond butter.
• Take Along Trail Mix and a banana/apple/or berries.
• Chocolate Chip and Zucchini Muffins, a hard-boiled egg, and cut-up or cooked peppers.

What snack combinations do you enjoy during the week?