How to Help Your Kids Eat Healthy Over the Holidays

Food is an essential part of the holiday season. During this festive time of year most of us prepare traditional meals, which are not always a healthy option. In fact, increasingly more people complain about the digestive problems they face during the holidays. What about the little ones?

Work with kids to come up with healthier alternatives to the way food is prepared. Also, try to teach them why it is so important to have good eating habits. This isn't always an easy task, because kids normally don't like foods that are good for them.

Say 'NO' to huge portions of food

Your child shouldn't be encouraged to eat as much as a grownup does. For this reason, use a smaller plate. If he gets upset, offer him some extra food, but don't force him to eat more than he can; otherwise, he will keep eating more than he needs in the adolescence and adulthood, which may lead to obesity and other health problems.

Keep your kid away from pork meat

Most of us use to eat pork in this time of the year. Kids are also tempted to do it. Allow your child only to taste these foods. It was scientifically proved that children shouldn't eat pork before the age of five. The best is to replace pork with chicken, turkey or fish.

Light desserts

Children are greedy, you already know this. That's why is highly recommended to prepare light desserts, not only for your kids, but also for your family and friends. Therefore, prepare pudding with milk or light fruit cakes. Everyone will enjoy eating such healthy sweets!

Appetizers for kids

If you want to prepare something tasty and healthy at the same time, think about delicious appetizers such as eggs filled with sweet cheese and light cream. You can also offer your child a wide variety of soups. Sliced, ready-to-eat fresh fruit and veggies are a sweet substitute for candy or high-fat snacks.

No alcohol

Drinking alcohol is dangerous for kids and teens and sometimes for adults, too. Many kids would see parents and older young people drinking alcohol as a social thing. Don't allow your child to taste some wine or any other alcoholic beverage. His body might get used with such drinks and gradually feel the need to consume increasingly more alcohol. Give him champagne for children and natural juices, preferably home-made.