The holiday season is a time for indulgence, and there’s no denying that Christmas is all about festive treats and delicious feasts. But as parents, it’s important to ensure that our children are eating healthily during this time, too.

With so much temptation around, it can be challenging to stick to nutritious options, but it is possible. Here are some tips and tricks to help your kids eat healthily during Christmas.

1. Don’t Skip Meals

One of the biggest mistakes parents make during the holidays is skipping meals in an attempt to “save” calories for a big feast later on. However, this can lead to overeating and poor food choices.

Encourage your children to eat regular meals and snacks throughout the day, even if it’s just a small nutritious snack between meals. This will help balance their blood sugar levels and prevent them from feeling too hungry and reaching for unhealthy options.

2. Serve More Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, and the holidays are no exception. Try to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your family’s meals and snacks.

Include fruits and veggies in fun and creative ways, like using cookie cutters to cut them into fun holiday shapes, or making a colorful vegetable platter for parties and gatherings. The more fruits and vegetables your children consume, the less room they will have for junk food.

3. Choose Whole Grains

While white bread, pasta, and rice are common staples during the holidays, they are not nutritious choices. Opt for whole-grain versions instead, such as whole-wheat bread or pasta, brown rice, or quinoa.

These options are rich in fiber, which helps to keep your children feeling full and satisfied, and will also provide them with essential vitamins and minerals.

4. Serve Lean Proteins

Protein is an important nutrient that is necessary for growth and development. Choose lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, and turkey, instead of fatty meats like beef and pork.

Fish is particularly important as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development and function. Serve dishes like baked salmon or grilled chicken for a healthy and delicious meal.

5. Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget about drinking water during the holidays, but it’s important to stay hydrated. Keep a water bottle handy at all times and encourage your children to drink water regularly throughout the day.

Avoid sugary and carbonated drinks, as they are high in calories and can cause dehydration. Encourage your children to drink herbal teas or natural fruit juices instead.

6. Limit Sweets and Treats

Christmas is a time for sweet treats and indulgence, but it’s important to set limits. Avoid having candy and sweets readily available in your home, and instead offer healthier dessert options like fresh fruit or yogurt.

If you do want to offer treats, try to make them a special occasion rather than an everyday occurrence. Encourage your children to savor their treats and enjoy them in moderation.

7. Practice Mindful Eating

Mindful eating is the practice of paying attention to the present moment while eating. This means being aware of your body’s hunger and fullness signals, and enjoying the taste and texture of your food.

Encourage your children to listen to their bodies and only eat when they are hungry. Encourage them to eat slowly, savor their food, and chew it well before swallowing. This will help them enjoy their food more, and they will be less likely to overeat.

8. Cook with Your Children

One of the best ways to encourage healthy eating in children is to cook with them. Involve your children in meal preparation and encourage them to try new foods.

This will help them develop an appreciation for healthy foods, and they will be more likely to eat them. Cooking together is also a great opportunity to spend quality time together as a family.

9. Plan Ahead

When going to parties and gatherings, it’s important to plan ahead. Bring healthy snacks or dishes to share with others, so you know there will be healthy options available.

Offer to host a party, so you have more control over the menu and can ensure that healthy options are available. Making a plan ahead of time will help you stick to healthy eating habits during the holidays.

10. Enjoy the Holidays

Finally, it’s important to remember that the holidays are a time to enjoy and celebrate with family and friends. Encourage your children to indulge in the festivities and enjoy their favorite holiday treats in moderation.

Celebrate the joy and magic of the holidays, but with a healthy and balanced approach.