Much like peanut butter and jelly, a baseball and a mitt, you can’t have the holiday season without parties. The two just go hand in hand. We’ve been running around like banshees this year from house to house, enjoying the company and catching up with dear friends and family. So much fun. I love all the laughs, festive gifts, and beautifully decorated homes… but my favorite part of these get-togethers is, obviously, the food!
So much food, am I right? Delicious and let’s be honest, at times very rich foods, even for the kids. It can hard to come up with options to put out for the little ones that don’t induce a sugar coma the next day and keep them buzzing up way past bedtime. With a bit of digging, I found some easy and healthy alternatives that will leave your kids reaching for more. And you won’t have a little terror on your hand the next day. You’re welcome.
The Take-Out Fake-Out
If your kids are like mine, a delicious delivery pizza is almost too much to resist. I know, I know. Pizza brought straight to your door is oh so easy, but making the extra effort and throwing together a homemade pizza to put out at the party will make all the difference in avoiding the greasy, unhealthy alternative.
It’s honestly as simple as buying a whole-wheat pizza crust from the store along with some mozzarella, veggies and whatever your kids usually like. Not only will you feel entirely satisfied from making the pizza, but you’ll also provide a party snack with much less calories, fat, and sodium than delivery.
Switch the Chips!
Believe me, I know how easy it is to rush through the store and grab a big bag of classic potato or tortilla chips. As much as your kids like these delicious crisps, they literally offer no nutritional value and are incredibly loaded with saturated fat.
Stealthy alternatives like veggie straws/chips come in all sorts of fun, yummy flavors and often offer up to one actual serving of vegetables! They also come in fun colors that will definitely attract the wandering eyes of the kids peeking over the table. With much less sodium and fat, be sure to make the easy choice this season by switching the chips!
Smooth Move Smoothies (Source: http://www.jamieoliver.com/news-and-features/features/healthy-party-food-for-kids/ – LL7WTx7e4IDp47dv.97)
I saw this post and honestly couldn’t help but share it. While making conversation with family, the kids basically have an open bar of sodas and juices. It’s no secret that most carbonated beverages are loaded with sugars and empty calories. While the most logical alternative is water or fat-free milk, these aren’t going to win any little ones over at a party. Enter smoothies, to the rescue!
Try making a variety of smoothies, or even setting up a little smoothie bar for the kids! You could even go as far as naming the different options after popular cartoon characters to make them even more appealing! I know L + B wouldn’t be able to say no to Shrek or Mr. Incredible juice. Not to mention you could even sneak super foods like kale or spinach that would otherwise never even make it to the table. Making the extra effort here could go a long way, since everyone can relate to having to stay up past the kids’ usual bedtime because they drank three or four orange sodas at the party…
With minimal effort, these amazing alternatives can help replace the junk and provide your kids with healthy holiday party snacks this season!
If you liked this post, check these out!
Courtney
Latest posts by Courtney (see all)
- Roasted Bruschetta Salmon - August 30, 2018
- Four hour Bolognese - August 28, 2018
- Summer sandwiches - July 25, 2018
Leave a Reply