How to Have Healthy Plates for Your Kids This Christmas

Picture this: the holiday season is in full swing, and your family is surrounded by the aroma of irresistible puto bumbong and savory lechon. As a parent, the desire to keep everyone healthy amid the festive feast is like walking a tightrope. Balancing indulgence and well-being becomes a juggling act, especially when faced with a table laden with tempting treats.

The holiday season is synonymous with festive lights, joyous songs, generous giving, and of course, indulgent eating. As much as we look forward to all the festive treats at Filipino noche buena, it's also important to keep our children's health in mind.

This year, let's embark on a journey to create a Christmas that's not only filled with cheer, but also embraces the spirit of a healthier, happier family.

Try These For Healthy Holiday Family Feasting

To ensure your family's health doesn't take a back seat during the holidays, consider these simple tips for cheerful, but mindful feasting. Here’s how you can serve up healthier Christmas plates for your little ones, while still keeping the holiday spirit alive:

Noche buena in the Philippines often means rich and heavy dishes. But we all know that our families must eat a variety of foods for optimum nutrition.

Encourage your little ones to have a variety of foods on their plates. A variety of colorful fruits and vegetables can make a plate look more festive and appealing. Aim for a colorful mix of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains like brown rice for balanced meals.

Christmas wouldn't feel like Christmas without sweets. Instead of completely forbidding these treats, try making healthier versions at home!

Experiment with recipes that use less sugar or those that replace it with healthier alternatives like honey or fruits. Desserts like fruit salad, a staple in any Christmas party, can be both healthy and delicious! When baking, use whole wheat flour or almond flour, and swap butter for healthier oils like olive or coconut oil for that extra health boost.

It's easy to get carried away with portion sizes during the holiday season. While indulging in festive treats is part of the fun, it's essential to keep portions in check.

Consider using smaller plates to give the illusion of a bountiful feast without overloading on calories. Sharing plates with them may also help you keep an eye on what they’re eating. This way, your little ones can enjoy the flavors of the season without overindulging.

While it’s easy to reach for the sweet, fizzy drinks during the festive season, it's important for kids to stay hydrated with healthier options. Water is always the best choice, but you can also mix it up with fruit-infused water, unsweetened iced tea, or homemade smoothies.

It's easy to overindulge during the holiday season. Encourage your kids to savor each bite by practicing mindful eating. This means slowing down, paying attention to flavors, and recognizing when they're hungry or full.

Engaging in mindful eating not only promotes healthier eating habits but also allows them to truly enjoy the festive flavors without overindulging.

Happy, Healthy Holidays For Your Little Ones

Support your child so they can have a merry and tummy-trouble-free Christmas! With these trusted partners, your kid can savor the festive flavors without any digestive worries.

Food is a big part of the holiday season, but physical activity should be too. Incorporate fun family activities like dancing, playing outdoor games, or taking a walk to see the neighborhood Christmas lights. This not only helps burn off some of those extra calories, but also creates wonderful holiday memories.

The holidays shouldn’t mean compromising on healthy eating habits for your children. With these tips, it’s possible to create festive, fun, and nutritious meals that adhere to healthy eating principles. And remember, it's not about complete avoidance, but rather about balance and moderation. After all, it's Christmas! —(MyPharma)