Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free » Snacks

Six Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Whole Food Snacks for Toddlers: Beyond Cherrios and Raisins

Amy — Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:35 +0000

Even though I’ve been on a gluten-free, refined sugar-free diet for almost 10 years, when Nate and I both had to go dairy-free it threw me for a HUGE loop. Not only was I trying to feed myself, but I had to feed Nate nutritious food he would happily eat. Couple that with the fact that he’s a nosher, and it was enough to make my eyes cross.

I had to rethink how I did things. I had to look for other solutions. I had to really slow down and plan how we ate differently.

It’s gotten much easier, and the learning curve for this dietary change was so much smaller than the first time.

I’ve found some go-to snacks that always work from him. Some are more portable than others, but they’re all nutritious, whole foods. Here are the six I always keep on hand:

1. Avocado

Did you know that toddlers should get 40 – 50% of their calories from fat? Avocados are the perfect food for them. They’re filled with healthy fats, and fiber, too. Firmer avocados are better as finger foods, but softer avocados are delicious mashed and dipped in steamed veggies or in green smoothies.

2. Beans

Yes, beans! They’re filled with fiber and help with digestion. Nate loves beans. Plus, they’re the perfect size for picking up and eating. At first, I smashed each bean with my fingers before letting him eat it just in case he tried to swallow it whole. Now, he can chew whole beans by himself. We pack them in a little cooler and he snacks on them while we’re out and about. Sometimes people look at me like I have three heads but their kids are eating Goldfish and Rainbow Sprinkle Chocolate Chip Cookies.
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Raw Apple-Walnut Snack Bars

Amy — Wed, 08 May 2013 10:00:00 +0000

I haven’t talked much about what we’re feeding Nate because, honestly, it’s been a bit of a struggle. When he was 9 months old, we found out that we needed to cut all dairy out of his diet. And, since I have problems with wheat we’re keeping him gluten-free until he’s at least 18 months old so that his gut is developed enough to digest it properly. I may keep him gluten-free longer as baby #2 will need to be gluten-free as well.

At play dates, I see mommas giving their kids dairy yogurt, cookies, and animal crackers. None of those work for our sweet little Nate.

Couple that with the fact that Nate would rather eat an orange (or any fruit) than a cookie or carbs, and the fact that he never, ever holds still and I’m left with the interesting challenge of finding foods that he’ll eat that will also help him gain weight. Or at least maintain his current weight.

I started searching for solutions and wanted foods to be whole-foods based, full of healthy fats, portable, and something he’ll gobble up. In the process I’ve found lots of foods he absolutely loves.
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Sundried Tomato & Pepita Pesto

Amy — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:00:12 +0000

With Easter right around the corner, I wanted to give you a dairy-free, nut-free option for your celebration.

After Nate was born, something funky happened and my body stopped tolerating dairy. I can’t say I’m thrilled with it. I kept trying to eat it, hoping that something would change. I really didn’t want to add one more thing to my ‘can’t eat’ list.

But, my best efforts failed and at least for today I can’t eat dairy.

I feel better. So. Much. Better. No stomach pain. No digestive distress. But, gosh I miss my yogurt and cottage cheese.

My favorite little guy is dairy-free too.
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Wheat-less Wheat Thins for Attune Foods

Amy — Wed, 22 Aug 2012 13:00:22 +0000

Yep. Wheat Thins without the wheat. No one will ever know. Heck, they might just think you even bought these little beauties from the store.

These super-thin, crispy crackers taste just like the Wheat Thins I remember from my childhood. They might seem intimidating but they’re simple to make. Trust me.

The first time I made crackers I was in pastry arts school. Chef Lois brought in one of her favorite cookbooks, The Bread Baker’s Apprentice, and we whipped up some lavash crackers. Instead of rolling the dough out by hand, we used a bakery-grade sheeter to get the dough extra-thin.

The gluten-filled dough was easy to work with. Even when it was almost thin enough to see through, you could fold it, move it from one table to another and it wouldn’t fall apart.

Working with gluten-free dough is a little different. You can do it. It just takes a little finesse.

Want to get my tips for baking store-quality gluten-free crackers? Hop on over to the Attune Foods blog, get my tips, and this recipe. It’s one that you’ve got to have.

Note: I am a Brand Ambassador for Attune Foods. This post is sponsored by Attune. Truth be told, I loved their products before I started working with them. Their gluten-free, refined sugar-free, GMO-free cornflakes got me through the first several months of my pregnancy when I could rarely stomach anything else. So, you can rest assured that I am sharing my honest opinion of their products.

Ready to roll out some dough? Let’s make crackers! Get the recipe here!

Back-to-School Recipe Round-Up

Amy — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 15:34:47 +0000

For some, school is already back in session, and it’s just around the corner for others. Here’s a round-up of recipes that are great for packing in school (or work) lunches. Because our schedules can be so full, I’ve also included some easy slow-cooker recipes to help you on those busy nights!

Also, be sure to check out these 8 Tips for Packing a Healthy Gluten-Free Lunch. Don’t forget that you can add a special note to that lunchbox — Life as MOM has a free “lunch box love note” printable for you to download and use.

Sandwich Fixings

Gluten-Free Sandwich Bread with Sourdough Starter from Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free
Egg-Free Soy-Free Mayo / Vegetable Dip from Whole New Mom
Homemade Nut & Seed Butters from Whole New Mom
Mock Tuna Salad from Diet, Dessert, and Dogs (photo shown above)

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