Snack Trays

The concept of snack trays is simple: a variety of small, tasty bites a new parent can consume quickly, without having to think about “what sounds good to eat”.

Foods to include are proteins, vegetables, healthy fats and some carbs.

One of the great things about snack trays is their flexibility. You can customize them to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

For heartier meals, see our Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection.

Remember to stay hydrated and listen to your body’s hunger cues. Staying well-fed also has the added benefit of easier rest – it can be difficult to sleep when your stomach is empty because your instincts will kick in to wake up to go and ‘gather’ food. Laying awake, while exhausted, and hungry is a state to deliberately avoid. Keep snacks handy on a bedside table.

Here’s a snack tray shopping list for your next trip to the grocery store (or click the links to order online).

The Snack Tray

Shopping list:

(examples – be creative and add more of your favorite foods)

• Carrots
• Raisins
• Mixed salted nuts
• Organic peanut butter (high quality, no trans fats)
• Dried apricots (or other dried fruit like Figs, Mango Slices, Cranberries)
• Dark Chocolate
• Fresh fruit – apples, mandarins, bananas
• Salami
• Cheddar cheese or goat cheese
• Pickled vegetables (Pickles, Beets, Artichoke hearts, Peperoncini, Carrots)
• Deviled eggs (pre-made or make your own) or hard-boiled eggs sprinkled with salt
• Hummus
• Whole grain toast with avocado
• Nut butter spread on fruit like apple slices

Here are some recipes for additional items that can be added to a snack tray, or enjoyed on their own!

1

Peanut Butter & Honey Rice Crispy Treats

Nothing makes you grow up quickly like becoming a parent. These treats permit you to feel like a kid again. They are a snap to make and the peanut butter is so much better than the marshmallows found in packaged versions. (Almond or sunflower seed butter are fine substitutions.) Goji berries, raisins, or crunchy-sweet g pieces work great as add-ins.

Recipe from The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother by Heng Ou

Check out this recipe

2

Frittata

For those who like egg dishes, this is a huge hit. It’s good for any meal or snack of the day and packs a nutritional punch. Feel free to experiment with the veggies and herbs a bit. The best thing about it is it’s a great way to get mom to eat her greens!

Try pairing this with a lovely side like the Carrot Ginger Salad.

Check out this recipe

3

Esther's Oatmeal Cookies

This recipe makes a huge batch of darned healthy cookies. You will need really large mixing bowls to gather all the ingredients together. You can freeze the dough or the baked cookies, if you don’t eat them all in a few days. YEAH!!!!!

Check out this recipe

4

Serena’s Lactation Cookies

These are the BEST lactation cookies. They contain the typical ingredients associated with increased milk production. And they just taste amazing as well. You can try all kinds of variations (e.g. optional nuts, nut butters, cinnamon, rice flour if you are gluten free). Make them your own!

Check out this recipe

5

Evelyn's Chocolate Surprise Cupcakes

A delightful treat for celebrating a birthday or anniversary of any kind, and of course for giving birth.

This recipe also works for creating a traditional chocolate cake with a twist.

Check out this recipe

Listen While You Build a Snack Tray

While you portion the fruit, cheese, nuts, and other easy bites, listen to The Top 5 Questions Asked in New Parent Groups. Mikka Bonel shares the questions new parents bring to supportive groups and why it helps to hear that other families are figuring things out, too.

For heartier meals, browse the Postpartum Soups and Stews Collection.

The content provided in this article(s) is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Neither Sarah Trott nor Fourth Trimester Media Group LLC are liable for claims arising from the use of or reliance on information contained in this article.