Keeping up with a toddler is no smooth sailing. It is run here, do this, “Get off of that!” and “Come here,” pretty much all day long.

I think one of the hardest things for me as a mom is slowing down when I am with Lo. It is not in my nature to do so generally, so I find myself challenged with the whole concept. I was telling a co-worker the other day about our lazy Saturday a few weeks ago because Lo and I were both sick. She responded with, “That sounds delightful!” Referring to my story of PJ’s all day, movie marathons, camping out in the living room and being just generally sluggish.

To me it was a waste of a weekend. Being glued to my couch versus being outside or exploring the area. I feel like I define myself and my time by checking things off a list. I have problems. This I know.

So, being on the go a lot translates into meals and snacking on the go. Lots and lots.

It is super easy to just rely on drive-thrus, but as I have gotten older and wiser. Yes, wiser. I have come to actually not really enjoy fast food all that much. Expect for Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread and Chipotle. They are forever my ride-or-die biotches. Or, fast-foodish restaurants.

Besides them, well… ehh! I really try, really, really try, to pack Lo and I some snacks when we run to the playground, mall or to the local book store.

These are my go-to items and essentials for when it comes to Lo and her itty bitty taste buds.

1 – Pack multiple snack options
If you are out and about for hours on end, pack some levels to snacking. Just like you, as an adult, like your options, so do kids. I really try to involve Lo and ask her what she wants, but I present her with her options, so to be clear it is not a free for all.

2 – Fresh is best but not always available
I am lucky to have a little girl that actually enjoys fruits and even vegetables. Shh! Sometimes, we can get her to consume raw broccoli. Whose. kid. is. she. I know, right? So, if you can pack a little cooler or if all else fails, go with a banana! They are always game for hanging with you (get it?) Oh, brother!

3 – Prep may be necessary
Bananas, apple slices and edamame are great! But, prep work is a must. This means allowing yourself the time to plan ahead and also investing in to-go containers such as these and these.

4 – Know where you are going
Snacking has seasons. While I love the Dannon Smoothies, I also know they are great at the park, sitting down, with a straw. The point is know where you are heading, what you plan on doing and pack snacks that make sense for your outing.

5 – Be conscious of what you are feeding your kids
Lo crushes hard on snacking. If it wasn’t for great products out there, it would be super easy to cram her mouth and little belly full of the not so good stuff. Processed this and that. I get it. Sometimes being conscious is tough. We run out of time and sometimes, we think what is it going to hurt? But, why do that when there are great options out there? For example, our new favorite snack has to be Nachos Cheese Honchos by Deep River Snacks! Here is why I love these. Deep River Snacks, tortilla chips are 90% organic, certified gluten-free and proudly made in the USA with non-GMO ingredients. Say that again, people, non-GMO ingredients! And I love the brand’s vision statement – ” To challenge and redefine the snack industry while inspiring our communities to do the right thing.” You can read some more good stuff, here. Seriously, check them out!

The only compliant Lo and I have… you have to lick your fingers when you are done with the bag. But, really, is that so much of a bad thing?

What are your tips for snacking with your toddler or big kids? What are your favorite go-to snacks?

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Thank you Deep River Snacks for sending me snacks for my family to try.