5 Tips to Navigate Sugary Treats this Christmas
Filled with good food, family-time, and time away from work, the Christmas season is a magical time of the year for young families.
However, amidst the abundance of sugary treats and indulgent meals that mark these celebrations, parents of young children often find themselves navigating the challenge of maintaining healthy eating habits while still letting their little ones embrace the holiday spirit.
Finding the balance between holiday cheer and healthy nutrition can be tricky. That's why we’ve come up with 5 useful tips for parents to try out this festive season.
Children learn by observing their parents. It might be difficult, but try to opt for healthier snacks and limit your intake of sugary treats yourself. You can still create a festive atmosphere with seasonal fruits, nuts, or homemade snacks that are lower in added sugar and salt! (They’re often cheaper, too!)
Offer Nutrient-Rich Alternatives:
Festive food doesn’t have to be unhealthy! You can offer sliced fruits, vegetable sticks, yoghurt dips, or cheese as healthier alternatives to traditional Christmas treats. Check out Chef Kwesi's 4 ingredient oat bar recipe which is a perfect alternative for your little one.
Quietly mention to family members and friends (beforehand if possible) that you are trying to strike a good balance between healthy and unhealthy treats this Christmas. It’s much easier to manage if everyone is on the same page to start with!
Plan Ahead but let them self-regulate:
You’ll more than likely be attending gatherings or parties at friends or relatives houses. You can plan ahead by bringing along nutritious homemade snacks or fresh fruits for your child. This ensures they have healthy options available once they've had their fill of sweets. Try not to make too much of a fuss about this alternative and let them choose what to have - once the "treats" are taken off the pedestal, you may just be surprised by how many will choose to have that apple!
Remember, It's okay for children to indulge in the occasional treat during the holidays! It’s all part of the journey and it’s actually a great way for them to learn about their own self-control when it comes to dealing with unhealthy, sugary treats.
So enjoy the festive season ahead, and try not to worry too much if you find your little one is having a few too many sugary treats. Before you know it, it will be the new year and you’ll be back to school and back to normal healthy eating routines.
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Trusted by over 10 of London’s top nurseries and pre-schools, our lunch service is the perfect way to relieve yourself of packed-lunch making duty by having hot, nutritious, homemade meals delivered that are designed to fuel their physical and brain development.
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