AIBU to ask for good snacks for a toddler on go, go, GO?

[Senpai]

DD is 18 months. Running, climbing, getting into everything. Typical toddler stuff.

But she doesn't eat much at meals and prefers to just snack while exploring during the day.

I've given up trying to withhold snacks so she'll eat more during main meals, but it just results in her being cranky and still not eating much. I'm trying to figure out a better way to get more nutrition into her eating habits while keeping my house unstained and as unsticky as possible.

My question is what are good snacks for toddlers on the move?

I've tried whole grain cereal, popcorn, and bread but they don't really keep her satisfied and she still gets cranky because she needs food. Well, bread does, but I it's not really good to have it all the time like she wants. She's also on the move so "squishy" foods like bananas are a no go RIP couch cushions, but I'm willing to compromise on things like apple slices and carrot sticks (they're just not filling and too much fruit isn't good for her diapers).

She's not a picky eater, but I have a hard time finding snacks are easy to eat on the go, healthy, won't ruin my stuff if she plays with it, and will fill her up.

Also, she's perfectly healthy and good weight/height, but high energy and fast metabolism. Just need snacks for my sanity and wanted to know what you guys do.

Ideas? Recipes? :)

I felt like I should bump for the night crowd for recipes/ideas give an update.

I did rageagainsttheBIL peanut butter bars, except with almonds instead of dates: minimalistbaker.com/3-ingredient-peanut-butter-granola-bars/

They were a big hit for DD and DH in case anyone else was thinking of trying them.

..and some of you will be happy to know that I did sit her up at the table for snacks before taking her outside to finish them.

And I've gotta say - sitting her up at the table and then letting her outside to continue eating is not the same as only giving snacks at the table.

Or obviously scrapping snacks and feeding meals.

How was I rude?

Barring one goady poster, all I did was clarify my previous post about my daughter not eating at the kiddie table and explain that I was looking for snack ideas not how to make my child eat more at meal times when she clearly won't right now. I even pointed out I knew her advice was coming from good intentions.

I thanked everyone for their ideas, I'm not sure why you think I'm being curt?

You are projecting your own tone onto my posts. I assure you, I have nothing against anyone's opinions.

I'm just not interested in impractical solutions that involve either starving my child to eat more at scheduled meals (she won't) or putting her at the table to eat every single time she wants a nibble at an age where she is not developmentally ready to understand cause and effect past "I cry, I sit at the table" instead of "I really should eat more while I'm here so I can keep playing uninterrupted". When her language and reasoning skills are more developed, I can see that as a solution. But as it stands, portable snacks are the best solution right now.

(We both know full well all forums except AIBU and Chat aren't going to get much views or responses. :) )

Senpai I don't think you were rude. If it helps my 17month old is exactly the same (although she's dropping centiles a bit so I'm happy for her to eat anything anywhere anytime within reason!). My DD just has a tiny appetite, can only manage small amounts and does better with regular small meals. I envourage her to sit with us for meals and eat (sometimes she does, sometimes she doesn't) and I leave a little plate of food in her play area with things like homemade flapjacks (made with nut butters, banana, oats and seeds usually), sliced fruit, cubed omelette, cheese and things to dip into houmus etc.

I tried this on the advice of some mumsnetters and it has definitely encouraged her to eat more, and it's a more balanced diet overall. Last night she had a one egg omelette before bed while we were reading and having a cuddle, which is 150calories she wouldn't have had at the table! Like you I don't want her to associate sitting at the table with being upset, or have issues with food. My mother strictly enforced 3 meals, clear your plate, no snacks and I remember massive battles over dinner as a child, and hidling food etc. I want to avoid that with my DD.

I can't help with any different snack ideas but if it's any help I had one of those too. One of my children was a fairly normal active child, would move lots but would be still at times, even if it was only 5 mins. The other didn't stop moving, even watching tv he would stand, sit, roll, jiggle, hands constantly moving, roll about. It was exhausting.. He also wouldnt sit still for ages and concentrate on eating larger meals but did need quite a bit to get through the day. I soon learnt that when he got tantrumy and grouchy that food was needed, its hard because you don't want to give the message that if you act up you get given a biscuit.

I kept up having the 3 main set meals time, where he was expected to sit down and try and get on with it. Then snacks when needed during the day, being careful with the amount as meal times loomed, snacks were mainy savoury with the odd biscuit etc He slowly got better as he grew bigger.

He is now approaching 15, 6 foot, slim, still gets through lots of food but has a healthy enough attitude to food. He can behave in restaurants, sit down and eat a normal family meal, when he makes himself an evening meal or packed lunch its pretty balanced. He likes sweet stuff as much as any teenager but will often opt for savoury or fruit over processed biscuits for snacks. He leaves the house at 7.30 am for school and doesnt get back until 18.00, he packs himself a banana plus seeds & nuts for mid morning break because he knows what he's like.

I do remember when he was little going to the zoo with a friend and her toddler. She was shocked that I let him have carrots sticks and water an hour before our picnic, the reasoning was that even a cup of water would fill them up and ruin their appetites. They're all different, that wss her experience with her child, my experience was very different.