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October 3, 2017 by Krista

10 Halloween Treats That Aren’t Candy

10 Halloween Treats (that aren’t candy) was originally published in 2013. Content, including links and photos, has been updated to maintain accuracy and working links.

10 Halloween Treats your kids will love - that aren't candy! Cut down on the sugar with these healthy, spooky treats!

We are no strangers to the sweet tooth in our house. I’ve always had a sweet tooth. which is absolutely the reason I bake more than I cook… but I do try to limit the amount of sugar my kids inhale. And once the holiday season begins, the sweet stuff seems to be everywhere! But these Halloween treats have made apples irresistible and crackers are the new cool snack! Check out these {healthy} Halloween treats from around the web.

 

10 HALLOWEEN TREATS – THAT AREN’T CANDY!

Silly Apple Monsters originally found on Fork and Beans
How insanely adorable are these Silly Apple Monsters found on Fork and Beans?! Protein, fresh fruit and a little sweet treat make these the perfect snack!

Spider Crackers originally found on La Jolla MomThese Cracker & Pretzel Spiders via La Jolla Mom are a HUGE hit with the whole family. They are quick, yummy and only 4 ingredients. Can’t beat that!

Olive Snake originally found on Cute Food for KidsMy kids devour olives like they are life-giving. This Olive Snake via Cute Food for Kids is one of their very favorites. They will even make olive snakes themselves before they eat the olives. These are super fun and delicious with salads.

Skeleton Veggie Platter originally found on Clairey HewittCute & Delicious! When I was pregnant with my oldest I craved fresh fruit and veggies. To this day, the kid will still choose broccoli over cookies most of the time. This Veggie Skeleton via Clairey Hewitt would completely make his day. How could you not love eating this?

Witch Fingers originally found on Mom on TimeoutWhile my boys aren’t ones that love vegging out on carrot sticks, these Witch Carrot Fingers via Mom on Time Out are just innocently morbid enough that my boys think it’s hilarious to hold the carrots at their knuckle joints and pretend they are eating their (or each other’s…) fingers off. Boys.

Thai Spice Deviled Eggs originally found on FoodistaMy boys struggled a little with these Pumpkin Deviled Eggs via Foodista, simply because they were a little too spicy for their delicate little palates. However, Mr. Napping thought they were just absolutely amazing. He may or may not have eaten half a dozen eggs in one sitting. Whole eggs. Better than a bag of potato chips, though, right?!

Monster Fruit Dip originally found on Thirty Handmade DaysThis Monster Eye Dip with Monster Apple Mouths via 30 Handmade Days is the ultimate after school snack for my kids. Between the monster eyes, the apple mouths and the fact that they are both delicious it is a no-brainer and a total winner at our house. Yum!

Hot Dog Centipede originally found on Cute Food for KidsI’m not one that loves hot dogs, but it’s one of those things that is super easy to fix and I know my kids will eat it. Especially if it looks like a bug. This Hot Dog Centipede via Cute Food for Kids is always a favorite quick and easy lunch for my boys. It works wonders when they are going through a phase that makes getting them to eat anything so difficult.

Banana Ghosts & Clementine Pumpkins originally found on One Little ProjectThese Clementine Pumpkins & Banana Ghosts via One Little Project are some of my favorite Halloween treats. I don’t love celery, but I don’t even mind it with a tasty clementine. And the chocolate with the banana… mmm, yum! Besides, these are super easy and quick to make and a great way to get my kids to eat a little more fruit.

(as mentioned on One Little Project, I couldn’t track down the original source for this idea.  Almost every pin or google image I looked at was the same photo – not this photo though – but they all linked to different sites.  So, I choose this tutorial since Debbie has such a great set of directions.)

 

HALLOWEEN CAN BE HEALTHY… OR AT LEAST HEALTHIER

While my kids love fruits and veggies, and it’s usually not a fight to get my boys to eat them, they still REALLY like candy too. Despite my best efforts, I’m sure they will still eat their weight in candy this month, and in cookies and goodies in the months to come. But, at least (maybe? hopefully?) I can get a few good Halloween treats in them too with these super cute Halloween treat ideas and a little less fight to satisfy their sweet teeth (sweet teeth?) …  The simplicity of most of these are winners in my book.

10 Halloween Treats your kids will love - that aren't candy! Cut down on the sugar with these healthy, spooky treats!

 

September 6, 2017 by Krista

30+ Healthy & Low-Prep Snack Ideas for the Busy, Pregnant Mom

Anyone who has ever been pregnant knows there’s a lot of information on eating healthy while you’re growing that little babe. The do list, the don’t list, the healthy recipes and even how often you should eat and drink. But sometimes all of that is easier said than done. I get that, really I do. When you’re eating every couple of hours or less, it can be hard to plan all that out. Eating that often means you need lots of snack ideas that are low-prep or you’ll be in the kitchen for the remainder of your pregnancy. I’ve got just what you need…

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY SNACK IDEAS DURING PREGNANCY

I’m 8 months pregnant with my 3rd baby. I’m not a newbie to this pregnancy thing.

This wasn’t an unforeseen complication. It could have been prevented.

I know all the do’s and don’t’s. I know the importance of staying hydrated and fed.

But, last week I ended up spending about four hours in the hospital.

It was a busy morning getting Big J off to preschool and Little J had absconded with about half my breakfast… because, it’s always better off Mommy’s plate, or something. I was so busy I didn’t realize what I was depriving myself – and my baby – of. Food. Fuel.

Healthy, Low-Prep Snacks for Expecting Moms. 30+ delicious and simple snacks that will keep your energy up during pregnancy.

PRIORITIES DON’T HAVE TO BE TIME CONSUMING

It can be so easy to get so busy that things just slip by us. Mom life is a busy life. It can happen to any of us. So, learn from my oversight, my busy mistake, my imperfect mom life.

And keep this list of healthy, low-prep snack ideas on hand for the next time you make out your grocery list or just need some ideas.

It’s the perfect solution when nothing really sounds good. Or maybe you’re so full of baby, you don’t feel hungry. Whatever the case, pregnancy can be hard enough – let’s make it a little easier.

Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas for Pregnant Moms. When you're eating every couple hours or less, it can be exhausting to plan out all that food. Make pregnancy a little simpler with these easy, healthy snacking ideas that are good for you and baby!

After some research and brush up from all those health classes I took once upon a time, I came up with a list of snacks that are easy to make with little to no prep and are healthy.  I’ve divided them into categories: high in iron, high in calcium and high in protein. Some of them appear in more than one section.

 

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Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas that are Rich in Protein

Snack Ideas High in Protein

– Cottage Cheese and Fruit
– Jerky (choose a low-sodium, low-sugar brand or make your own)
– Mixed Nuts or Trail Mix
– Eggs
– Deli Meat (choose one low in sodium and preservatives.  Put it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to be safe, if you’re pregnant)
– Protein Shakes or Bars
– Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (here’s a Chocolate Oatmeal Cookie recipe, a Cranberry Almond Oatmeal Cookie recipe and a Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal cookie recipe – try them all! The cranberry almond is my favorite though. And hang on to these after baby is born. Oatmeal can give you a boost while you’re lactating too!)
– Hummus and Veggie Dippers
– Cheese and Crackers
– Chocolate Milk
– Greek Yogurt and Fruit
– Peanut Butter or other nut butter (low-fat and crunchy is best)
– Soy Nuts
– Roasted Edamame
– Tuna (eat sparingly while pregnant)
– Lentils (a yummy, pre-cooked bean salad, perhaps?)
– Oatmeal (pre-packaged flavored packets are super simple and quick!)

 

Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas that are Rich in Calcium

Snack Ideas High in Calcium

– Leafy Greens
– Low-fat Cheese
– Milk
– Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
– Broccoli
– Okra
– Green Beans
– Almonds
– Fortified Cereals
– Fortified Orange Juice
– Soybeans
– Enriched breads
– Oranges
– Oatmeal
– Milkshake
– Omelette
– Cream Cheese on Enriched Bagel

 

Healthy, Low-Prep Snack ideas that are Rich in Iron

Snack Ideas High in Iron

* If you eat high vitamin C foods with these, your body will better absorb the iron.

– Raisins and Peanuts
– Whole Grain Cereal
– Jerky
– Protein Bars and Shakes
– Meat (Chicken, Beef, Fish – Add these to meals or salads)
– Dark Chocolate (at least 80%)
– Dried Apricots
– Potatoes
– Quinoa
– Beans (black, kidney – on Nachos made with whole grain chips and low-fat cheese or in a salad)
– Broccoli
– Enriched Pasta
– Rice
– Artichokes
– Dried Fruits

 

What’s your favorite, easy snack?  Give me your ideas in the comments!

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Get your printable list of healthy, low-prep snack ideas perfect for busy, pregnant moms

April 28, 2016 by Krista

Better-for-You Snacking on-the-go

While He Was Napping Welcome Banner

Hey, there! I’m happy you’re here!

Let’s talk about snacking. It can be hard to make good snacking choices when life is busy, right?

You’re a busy go-getter, bouncing from running errands to play dates for the kids and then on to piano, dance, soccer and that meeting at the kids’ school.

Or maybe you’re chasing a toddler and balancing a newborn between keeping the household smoothly running.

What about work responsibilities? Maybe there’s a day job in there somewhere. Or you work from home. And being a stay-at-home mom is definitely work too!

Add in your other activities, meetings, and schedules for the whole family; things get crazy quick!

 

 

SNACKING FOR MORE ENERGY

You need energy to keep up with your kids, work, life! And snacking can be a great way to do that.

If you make good snack choices.

It can be really easy (and delicious) to reach for candy and other junk. But it won’t give you the energy you need. You need quick and easy, grab-and-go snack options!

You’re in luck! I’ve done the work of figuring out what to eat! I’m going to share ten better-for-you, take on-the-go snack options for you AND the kids!

Capri Sun Better For You Snacking

BETTER-FOR-YOU, ON-THE-GO SNACK OPTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

We like to pair our snacks with Capri Sun Organic juice drinks.

1. Apple slices and peanut butter

10 Better For You Snacking Ideas! Perfect for kids!
2. Cucumber spears and fat-free ranch dip

10 Better For You Snacking Ideas! Perfect for kids!
3. Fruit salad
4. Veggies and hummus

10 Better For You Snacking Ideas! Perfect for kids!
5. Tortilla roll-ups
6. Pita strips and hummus

10 Better For You Snacking Ideas! Perfect for kids!
7. Graham crackers with peanut butter and bananas

10 Better For You Snacking Ideas! Perfect for kids!
8. Whole-grain crackers with fat-free cream cheese and a veggie slice

10 Better For You Snacking Ideas! Perfect for kids!
9. Meat and cheese spears

10 Better For You Snacking Ideas! Perfect for kids!
10. Avocado deviled eggs

 

It’s important to me that my family eats a balanced diet, even when we’re really busy. Snacks I can take on-the-go are a must-have in our household. I love that all of those snacks can be made ahead of time, stored in the fridge or cupboard and eaten when hunger strikes.

My kids are impatient and want snacks NOW. By having better-for-you options ready to go, they are more likely to choose better snacks. And they still feel like they get to choose their snacks – not me. It’s much less of a fight when my kids make the choice to eat better snacks.

Capri Sun Better For You Snacking Juice Drinks

 

Capri Sun Organic offers a great drink option for better-for-you snacking. Capri Sun Organic is way to give your kids the taste they love with a simpler ingredient list. Sweetened with 66% fruit juice and no artificial flavors, preservatives or colors, Capri Sun Organic is a wholesome drink option you can feel good about. Each pouch has a full serving of fruit* and provides 100% recommended daily value Vitamin C. And there are four great flavors to choose from: Tropical Punch, Fruit Punch, Apple and Grape.

Capri Sun Better For You Snacking Juice Drinks

Capri Sun Organic fits into busy schedules perfectly. They are perfect for picnics, day trips, road trips, and on-the-go snacking. Kids love them; they taste great and are the perfect size for little hands to hang on to. Parents love them; the ingredients are simple and few. Let Capri Sun Organic help you on your way to better-for-you snacking!

Capri Sun Better For You Snacking Juice Drinks

*Each pouch provides 1/2 cup of fruit juice, which is one serving of fruit according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

April 4, 2016 by Krista

Crunch O’s Snack Mix

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #CerealAnytime #CollectiveBias

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here today!

Do you love a good snack mix? Me too! Today, we’re gonna mix up a fun and delicious snack mix that will satisfy everyone. Post’s Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch O’s cereal inspired me to put something together that would satisfy a variety of taste preferences.

There’s a little bit of everything you could want:

  • Sweet
  • Salty
  • Crunchy
  • Chewy
  • Cereal
  • Fruit
  • Nuts
  • Chocolate

It’s a perfect mix and it’s super easy to mix up. So you can make it to enjoy now or make it in advance. Take it out with you or enjoy it during your next Netflix session. It’s great for the kids too! Although, mine did pick through and eat out all the sweets first. Typical, right?!

CRUNCH O’S SNACK MIX

Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix

I used Post’s new Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch O’s and Berry Colossal Crunch cereal to inspire my mix and then added some of our favorite extras for a great flavor mix that will rock your taste buds. There’s also new Kung Fu Panda Po Power Crunch at Walmart that my boys were excited about; but, we settled on the Berry Colossal Crunch instead. I think it was the big bag and pretty colors that won them over.

 

We love cereal for breakfast, but my three boys are snackers. They are always rummaging through the cupboards and the fridge, looking for the next snack. Cereal is one of their favorites to munch on long after the breakfast dishes are done. It’s so easy to take on the go! Of course, they love the sugary sweet cereal; but, they reach for the wholegrain cereals just as often. There are definitely worse things they could be snacking on and I’m more than happy to let them nosh on cereal all day long.

Print This Recipe
Crunch O's Snack Mix

Prep time:  10 mins

Total time:  10 mins

Serves: 5 cups

A snack mix with a variety of flavors that will treat your taste buds to a little bit of everything!
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch O's cereal - I used the Honey flavor
  • 1 cup Berry Colossal Crunch cereal
  • 1 cup mixed dried fruit and nuts
  • 1 cup blueberry pecan granola
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, dump the Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch O's into the bowl.
  2. Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix Crunch-O's
  3. Add the cup of Berry Colossal Crunch cereal.
  4. Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix Berry Colossal Crunch
  5. Pour in the chocolate chips.
  6. Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix Chocolate Chips
  7. Add the dried fruit and nuts.
  8. Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix Dried Fruit and Nuts
  9. Pour in the granola.
  10. Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix Granola
  11. Mix until evenly combined through out.
  12. Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix CloseUp
  13. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.
3.5.3208

Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix with Crunch-O's

Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix with Berry Colossal Crunch

I picked up all the ingredients at Walmart on my last shopping trip. It was a piece of cake to throw this all together and my boys gobbled it up. They loved it… even after the Berry Colossal Crunch cereal and the chocolate chips had all been picked out. Boys…

Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch-O's Snack Mix Instore

Definitely a winner and we will be making it again soon! It packs up great in the diaper bag! Check out the other great flavors of Post’s NEW Honey Bunches of Oats Crunch O’s!

March 16, 2016 by Krista

Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites

 

Hey! I can’t wait to share this super simple breakfast recipe with you! These granola bites will rock your taste buds and are a great addition to your breakfast menu or as an afternoon pick-me-up. But, first, let me tell you why these are so awesome.

5 reasons these Granola Bites will rock your world:

  1. They are made with only 3 ingredients
  2. On the run? These are a delicious grab-and-go snack
  3. It’ll only take you about 20 minutes to make them
  4. There are 8 different nuts and grains in each bite, which means energy for you!
  5. They are a good source of fiber (yippee) that tastes great (YIPPEEE)!

 Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Hero

Are your mornings CRAZY?! Rushed?

Ours are. The shuffle of getting kids to school, my husband to work, getting the little boys fed and playing, getting my morning chores and workload underway can make for a really hectic way to start the day. It’s not uncommon that I’m getting my little guys lunch before I realize I never ate breakfast.

Get the energy you want and the nutrition you need with these delicious granola bites!

Enter Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites.

The main ingredient in these bites is granola. I used Quaker Real Medleys SuperGrains Blueberry Pecan Granola, which has SEVEN kinds of nuts and grains – oats, wheat, sunflower seeds, flax, amaranth, barley, quinoa – toasted pecans and sweet blueberries for delicious flavor with the nutrition boost you’ll crave.

It’s a great source of fiber, ALA omega-3 and whole grains. Add a bit of almond butter and a touch of honey and you’ll have delicious grab-and-go granola bites in twenty minutes. Promise. It’s that easy. You’ll love them and so will your family. 

Granola is great for breakfast, snacking and baking without being over indulgent. There’s just the right amount of sweet mixed in with those grains and nuts. You will love how easy and enjoyable these Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites make it to get your grains, fiber, and Omega-3’s into your diet, no matter how crazy and busy your life may be.

Okay, now let’s get these put together!

Print This Recipe
Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites

Prep time:  20 mins

Total time:  20 mins

Serves: 21 one-inch balls

No-bake granola bites loaded with grains, nuts and delicious blueberries that are perfect for grab-and-go snacking and as part of a nutritious breakfast!
Ingredients
  • 2 cups Quaker® Real Medleys SuperGrains Granola, Blueberry Pecan flavor
  • ½ cup Almond Butter
  • ¼ cup Honey
  • Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Ingredients
Instructions
  1. Measure 2 cups of Quaker® Real Medleys SuperGrains Blueberry Pecan Granola and pour into a medium sized mixing bowl. Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Step 1-5
  2. Measure ¼ cup of honey and add it to the bowl. Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Step 2
  3. Measure ½ cup of almond butter. Use a spatula to spoon the butter into the cup and back out into the bowl on top of the granola. Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Step 3
  4. Mix until granola is evenly coated with the honey and almond butter. Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Step 4
  5. Roll granola into 1-inch balls and lay out on waxed paper. Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Step 5
  6. Refrigerate for 10 minutes or until the almond butter stiffens.
  7. Serve and Enjoy! Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites Step 6
Notes
** DO NOT GIVE HONEY TO INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR!**

You can substitute the honey with 2 tbsp of maple syrup or with ¼ cup coconut nectar.

The almond butter I used had a small amount of coconut in it as well and was delicious with the pecans and blueberries.

You can substitute the almond butter for any nut butter.You may have to adjust the ratio a little, depending on the thickness of your nut butter.
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Blueberry Pecan Granola Bites

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I'm Krista. Ringleader here on While He Was Napping, wife to my handsome Mr. Right & momma to my THREE energetic boys, Big J (9), Little J (6) & Little N (4). We FINALLY added a beautiful little girl to our family last December.

I’m knee-deep in Tonka trucks & Thomas trains. I survive our crazy days with Vanilla Coke, Sonic slushies, sweet snuggles and little giggles. When I tuck them in tight & kiss them good night, I get a little time to create & just be me.


It all happened
while (s)he was napping
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