“I want a snack.” Does this sound familiar to anyone? I think I hear it a million times a day. And we are huge fans of three well rounded full meals around here. . . so it’s not that these kids are not being fed. But boy oh boy do they ask for snacks a lot. So I was determined to stay sane this summer and not let it annoy me. I also want to regulate what they are eating and how much. I always remember my mom saying, “Don’t spoil your dinner!” Now I know what she meant. So let me give you the details on how we are operating around here for the next three months of summer! 
I picked up these little white bins from Target. In fact, I blogged about them over at I Heart Organizing. I am a big fan of the little white dress for my summer wardrobe and this is my new little white bin for the season. I use them all around the house. But today I am sticking to snacking! So I have employed four of these cuties to save my sanity this summer. Each child has a bin that sits on the counter and a bin that goes in the fridge. 
How it Works: Everyday the children get six snacks. This may seem like a lot, but I find that choices are good and that they end up eating less snacks when there are more to choose from. Odd, I know. So each morning {or the night before} I fill a bin with three fresh snacks and a bin with three dry snacks. I am working towards using all washable and reusable containers. 
I make sure there are veggies and fruits included in their bin. They are on a shelf that they can reach in the fridge and they are free to grab one when they need a snack. I like that I can control the portion size and that they don’t need to ask for help. They love it as well. 
The only rule is that I don’t refill their bin until it is empty. The reason I do that is because I don’t want the same container of carrots sitting there all summer! So they need to go through these snacks before I put more in them. So if carrots are still there in the morning, I will set aside two more fresh snacks and after they eat their carrots, I toss the other fruit in there. {The cute chevron print are Fridge Coasters by the way!}. 
I do the same for the dry snacks. And I don’t make this a major event as far as getting them to try new foods. That is what dinner time is all about over here. So I put tried and true snacks in their bins that I know they like and will eat. Remember, this is all about saving my sanity! 
A while back I found these cute brass plates {I blogged about them on our gallery wall here}. I only used them because I had them on hand and it was an easy way to label their dry snack bins. They stick like crazy which is nice. 
And I know you like to see how it really goes down so here is my kitchen counter with the two bins hanging out for the day. So far so good and the kids LOVE that they have control over their snacking as well as a choice of what to grab. I love that secretly I am the one in control and don’t have to hear, “Maaaaa-ummmmmmm! I want a snack!” all day long. What about you? Are you trying to save your sanity this summer. Would love to hear little tips and tricks that are working at your house. have a great day
Great idea! And can you be a little more specific about these fridge coasters?? Where are they from? Sounds appealing! Thanks!
great idea! it makes me want to update my "snack drawer" but if I did what you did, I'd have to say "no" all day long to "can I have another snack?" -Lauren
I love this, great idea! 🙂
~Sarah
GREAT idea! I'm honestly tempted to do it for myself as well!
Love this idea! Thanks for sharing 😉
My kids won't ask….which is how they end up helping themselves to snacks they shouldn't!!! I try to keep junk out of the house, but usually have some kind of sweet treat for desserts…which they think is snack, too. 😉
Look at your gorgeous photos…is that the 50mm lens?
Such a great idea. My daughter forgets to eat sometimes (she's only 20 months) so I have to remind her, but I love the idea of having the snacks already prepped in fridge!
As Lauren indicated – great for adults too – particularly dieters. It is much too easy to grab junk food and overeat as well, but having proportioned, prepared snacks on hand can help. 🙂
Love this idea!!! Will incorporate it at home. I work during the day and my mom watches my girls at my house so this would be good so they won't be asking my mom for snacks all the time. Love your blog!!!
I think I like this idea. I am trying to figure out how I could incorporate this into my kids' routine. I kind of thing that my son may each the entire tray, and then have no snackes left for the day. Hmmm… I love those bins, though!
Such a great idea! I think as an adult, I too would even benefit from having healthy prepared snacks around. Sad they are discontinuing those baskets 🙁
Apparently they are still available online, but our local stores are no longer carrying them. So good to know as we had plans for some of the larger ones in Katie's new room.
Genius. That is all 🙂
I should probably copy you on this – this would be so great!
This is genius. GENIUS, I say!! And gorgeous to boot. Thanks for doing healthy snacks– some can't wrap their mind around fresh fruit & veggies being snacks, too!!
You are such a good Mom Courtney! Healthy snacks! Such a great idea these little organized bins are all prepared.
So smart! I strive to be as organized as you & will have to steal this idea for summer! My son is 6 and wants snacks all day, too. And of course, he wants choices and to be able to do everything himself. During the school year, it's pretty simple – I pack a fruit and veggie and the rule is he has to eat that before he can have the snack food. But summer has turned into a free for all, so this just might be the ticket! Love your blog, looking forward to more!
Love this idea!!! This could just make my life just a little more simple 🙂
Great idea! And I laughed when I saw the Fig Walks Into a Bar…those are Mila's favorites! We just picked up the Strawberry ones!
Love this! Our snack bin is a total lifesaver. I love that my son can grab a healthy choice on his own, even if I'm in the midst of something else. Your little white bins are so adorable–I can see why you're getting so much use out of them! Thanks so much for sharing, Courtney! Hope your week is going well!
~Abby =)
Thus us such a great idea! I am doing this, for sure!
So cute! I love this idea. I don't have kids (yet) but I have a feeling I'll be using this method for snacking myself! A good way to stop the munchies, eat healthy and take control of portion size 🙂 Great read!
Such a cute idea! Our boys would need a much bigger bin. #snackshavebecomemeals