The monkey platter
Mar 9th, 2008 by Alicia
I found this idea online somewhere a while ago and it works so well for our family.
My kids used to constantly ask me “what can I eat?” and pester me for snacks between meals. Then I saw a post about leaving healthy snacks out on a platter for kids to visit any time they wanted. I grabbed a plastic 4-compartment party tray that had been headed out as a donation, and our monkey platter was born.
I try to stock it with all healthy foods, things that I’d serve for meals. They’re often organic and are low in sugar and fat. I also try to offer a balance of veggies, fruits, protein and carbs. Lastly, I aim for a rainbow to get a good mix of nutrients– green, orange, red, brown, etc.
Here’s some common fillers here:
- frozen peas
- raisins
- cut oranges
- organic low-sugar, whole grain cereals
- dried berries
- cheese cubes (only once a day since it’s high in calories & fat)
- frozen corn
- sunflower seeds
- canned organic green beans
- edamame
- dried apple slices
- melon cubes
- baby carrots
- celery sticks
- fresh seasonal fruit
- plain popcorn
Once something is eaten up, then the kids have to either eat what’s left or wait till later when it’s filled. An hour before dinner, only veggies are on it. I really don’t care if my kids “fill up” on frozen peas or baby carrots before dinner. 
I’m amazed at how smoothly our days go now that the monkey platter is part of our routine. The kids are easily getting in their recommended servings of veggies and fruits now, and it’s made life much easier for me.
