Festive Food can be healthy!
Lots of people I speak with find Christmas time a challenge. They love to indulge in chocolates, sweets, cakes and biscuits, but then also feel lethargic, bloated and uncomfortable when they do so.
When it comes to our children, eating lots of “party” food can lead to exhaustion, trouble regulating emotions and tantrums. There’s no need to avoid parties or strictly control your children’s food intake.
What you CAN do is consider your contribution to events and meals. Balance out the food options with fruit and vegetables.
Here are some easy, healthy ways to do this;
Colourful fruit or vegetable platter
This is not a new concept and can feel “not quite fancy enough” as a contribution. But, over many years of serving these up, I’ve found that a simple fruit and/or vegetable platter can be extremely popular with children and adults alike.
A fruit/vegetable platter doesn’t have to be fancy, doesn’t have to be expensive and doesn’t have to be presented perfectly!
Get your kids involved in the shopping, selecting, chopping and presenting of the fruit.
Guide your child in their selections by considering their favourite colour, shape, texture or taste. Talk about these as you prepare and eat the different foods.
Be as fancy as you like. If you have energy, time and inspiration then make something amazing. If you just want to get it done and don’t have much enthusiasm left for presentation, then simply chop up a bunch of fruit and put it on a platter! Too easy.
Christmas theme
Inspiration is everywhere for Christmas themed fruit/vegetable-platter ideas.
Make a tree covered in baubles out of watermelon and berries
Make stars out of pineapple
Make a 2D or a 3D Christmas tree out of kiwi fruit
Use cucumber/orange/beetroot circles, carrot stars, and baby tomato “baubles” on a bed of rosemary or parsley to make a wreath.
Pick fruit/vegetables that are in season. There are so many options around this time of year in Australia. Not only is it likely to be cheaper (although no food seems that cheap these days), it is also likely to be tastier and fresher.
Offer your child the chance to be creative with their own ideas and contribute by chopping, decorating or taste-testing.
Salads and Vegetables
Base a salad around your child’s favourite food. Whether it’s avocado, sultanas, broccoli (yes, there are plenty of kids who love broccoli!) or tomatoes, start with this fruit/vegetable and create the salad around it. If your child only picks out their favourite bit and leaves the rest, then at least they will have had exposure to a broader range of foods.
Never force your child to eat anything!! New things can be scary and overwhelming, which can turn off appetite.
Focus on the sharing of food, the fun of creation and just being together at a table. A relaxed environment is better for digestion. I know that creating this relaxed environment can be easier said than done with kids and families at Christmas time!! As always, just take plenty of deep breaths and do your best.
If your child prefers cooked vegetables, then make a warm salad or keep it simple with a platter of cooked vegetables.
Merry Christmas, Happy Festive Season and hope you get a chance for delicious and healthy food to be created, shared and eaten.
