Healthy holiday treat alternatives for kid’s
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EmailTips on healthy holiday strategies and alternative goodies for kids.
The holiday season is among us, with it comes special holiday treats for family members and friends to celebrate and show their love. Children enjoy munching on their favorite holiday cookies, candies and other special treats which are loaded with fat and sugar. Michigan State University Extension recommends parents minimize how many unhealthy treats their children eat during the holiday season by having some strategies and alternative healthy snacks in place. Snack ideas (for adults too) include:
- Before a big feast, snack on whole grain crackers, fruit or raw vegetables. This will help manage portions by eating less.
- When at a party or having a holiday meal, look for the foods that are healthier, such as vegetables or fruits.
- The brain takes time to signal when you are full. Wait 10 to 15 minutes before eating second helpings of food. This may keep you from overeating! Read Child Development and Mealtime for identifiers that your child is satisfied.
- It’s not rude to say “no” to food. If you aren’t hungry, don’t be pressured to eat, and be sure to pay attention to your child’s hunger cues.
- Eating holiday goodies like fudge, peanut brittle, cookies and other baked goods is fine, but eat them in small portions.
- Make healthy holiday treats together with your children. Look for low-fat recipes that substitute butter and oil with non-fat ingredients, like applesauce or pumpkin.
Concerned about all the sugary snacks during the classroom party? Be involved with your child’s party and provide fresh fruits like fruit kabobs, veggies with a tasty low–fat dip, fruit-yogurt parfaits, low-fat granola bars and fruit smoothies. You can promote a healthier school environment by providing healthy snacks for your child’s classroom parties.
