Are you hosting a kid’s birthday party soon? If you don’t want to serve the usual sugar-laden snacks that will see the children running around on a lolly high – read on for some healthy eating options.
We’ve got healthy eating ideas for how you can pull off a tasty and delicious spread that the kids will enjoy (and the parents will thank you for).
Of course, these aren’t everyday foods but they are most definitely more nutritious than the typical fare.
5 Healthy Party Tips
- Don’t feel pressured to offer bowls of lollies and chips. If you offer healthy food as the only option, the kids will normally be happy to devour it.
- Get the kids moving to burn off some energy. Fun games such as a treasure hunt, statues or musical chairs will get the kids out of their seats and enjoying a bit of exercise.
- The traditional lolly bag at the end of the party can be the final straw for a kid who has over indulged at the party. Why not offer a sticker book or small toy instead?
- Prepare some adult friendly food too for the parents that might stick around. Some hummus and veggie sticks and some good quality cheese and sliced apple or grapes will mean that your guests (and you) won’t be tempted to get stuck into less than healthy food.
- You can also help with portion control by offering the kids their own packed lunch which would be filled with their food and a drink. Sitting down on the grass together, picnic style, is a great way to encourage healthy eating habits from an early age.
Ice Cream
Instead of dishing out the traditional ice cream that’s full of sugar and additives why not try making a healthy version?
You could use ice block moulds to make a healthier ice block with combinations like:
- natural yoghurt mixed with raspberry and pear puree
- freshly squeezed orange juice and sparkling water with kiwi chunks
- coconut cream, lime juice and pureed mango
This recipe (from our Healthy Kids Recipe Book) is preservative free, additive free, colour free, dairy free, and added sugar free.
Banana Coconut Ice Cream (serves 8)
- Peel and chop 2 large bananas and place on a tray lined with baking paper.
- Pour a 270ml can of coconut cream into an ice cube tray.
- Freeze the banana and coconut cream overnight.
- The next day, place the banana and coconut cream into a blender and blend well until smooth and creamy.
Did you know? Most budget ice cream doesn’t contain any of the actual real food that it is supposed to be – for instance vanilla ice cream often doesn’t contain vanilla beans, and strawberry ice cream doesn’t normally contain actual strawberries.
Drinks
Instead of the usual luminous green or red soft drinks or cordials, why not offer a healthier option such as punch made with real fruit juice?
Use sparkling water instead of lemonade, then add some real juice such as pineapple or mango juice.
Throw in some chopped strawberries and grapes for colourful decoration.
Fruit
Having the kids get involved in preparing the snacks is a great way to get them interested in healthy eating. Try fruit kebabs which they can thread themselves and then dip into yoghurt or other healthy toppings.
You can also try serving a colourful fruit platter early on in the party, so that the kids fill up on the healthiest option first. Think watermelon, strawberries, kiwi, banana and apple slices.
Old Favourites
- Hamburgers can be another great option if you make your own or buy the patties from a butcher that uses low fat mince. This way you know they are lower in fat, additives and salt. You can then choose wholegrain rolls and find salt and sugar reduced sauces to dollop on top.
- Check out our Healthy Kids Recipe Book for a fabulous recipe for a healthier take on the classic Fairy Bread recipe.
- Popcorn is another great option instead of potato chips. Kids love it and they will enjoy the crunch of air popped popcorn without any of the fat and additives.
- Our Healthy Kids Recipe Book has a fun recipe for a Cake Cone which the kids will love as an alternative to cupcakes.
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