Keeping Your Balance
There are no "good" and "bad" foods, only good and bad eating habits. Allow your children to enjoy tempting holiday treats, but monitor them. At the same time, be sure they are getting enough of the nutritional foods their little bodies need - balanced meals with lots of fruits and veggies.
A Few Kid Friendly Tips
· Nibble on health snacks like whole grain crackers, fruit, or raw vegetables before the big feast. You will eat less.
· When you are at a party or having a holiday meal, look for the foods that are healthier, like veggies or fruits, and make sure to eat some of those.
· Eating holiday goodies like fudge, peanut brittle, cookies, and other baked goods is fine, but serve them in small portions.
· You can help make healthy holiday food with your parents. Look for low-fat recipes that substitute butter and oil with non-fat ingredients like applesauce or pumpkin.
· Don't let your kids eat whatever they want. Let them enjoy treats in moderation.
Good Family Habits
· Don't Single Kids Out: If you are concerned about the weight of just one child in your family, make sure that you do not single the child out and restrict that child's eating. All family members, regardless of size, should practice healthy eating.
· Don't over-schedule the kids. This invariably results in stress, which leads to overeating and poor food choices. Be sure to plan some down time for your family.
· Keep a large bowl of fresh fruit on the counter and cut veggies in the fridge at all times during the holidays. Kids will be more likely to grab it if they are handy.
· Plan at least one healthy meal a day.
