The festive season is a time of food, family, and fun. With so many tasty treats on offer, it can be tempting to indulge in sugary snacks and rich foods.
However, it’s still essential to feed your kids nutritious foods during the festive period to keep them energized and healthy.
1. Fruits and Veggies
Ensure your kids are getting their recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. You can incorporate fruits in your holiday desserts, such as adding berries to your Christmas cakes or making a fruit salad.
Vegetables can come in the form of side dishes, such as carrots and green beans. You can also add veggies to pasta dishes, soups, and stews.
2. Lean Meats
Instead of opting for high-fat meats such as ham or bacon, go for lean meats like turkey or chicken. These meats are rich in protein and low in fat. You can also serve them in creative ways, such as making mini turkey burgers or chicken skewers.
3. Fish
Fish, especially oily fish like salmon, are rich in healthy fats like Omega-3. This is essential for your kid’s brain development and cognitive function.
You can serve fish in a variety of ways, such as grilled and served with salad or as fish tacos.
4. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of healthy fats, fiber, and protein. You can serve them as a snack or incorporate them into meals. For instance, you can add chia seeds to your kid’s smoothies or sprinkle some almonds on their breakfast cereals.
5. Whole Grains
Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat pasta are a great source of fiber. Fiber helps keep your kids feeling full, and it also aids digestion. You can serve whole grains as side dishes or add them to soups and stews.
You can even make a delicious brown rice salad.
6. Yogurt
Yogurt is a great source of calcium and protein. You can serve it as a snack or incorporate it into your desserts. You can make a yogurt parfait by layering Greek yogurt, fruit, and granola.
7. Herbs and Spices
Herbs and spices are a fantastic way to add flavor without adding calories. You can use spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in your holiday baked goods. You can also use herbs such as rosemary, thyme, and basil when cooking meats and vegetables.
8. Water
Water is not a food, but it’s essential to stay hydrated, especially during the festive period when we tend to indulge in rich and sugary foods. You can add flavor to the water by adding fruits such as lemon, lime, and berries.
9. Healthy Snacks
Instead of serving sugary snacks during the festive season, opt for healthier options such as popcorn, cut-up veggies, baked sweet potato chips, or homemade granola bars.
10. Everything in Moderation
The festive season is a time of indulgence, and it’s okay to enjoy some treats in moderation. Teach your kids to savor the flavors of their favorite holiday foods without overindulging. Moderation is key.