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Avoiding the Holiday Sugar Rush

The countdown to the festive season has officially begun, along with all the magic it brings, family, fairy lights, presents and, of course, sugary foods! December is definitely one of the sweetest months of the year as it brings many occasions for your children and the whole family to indulge. It is a wonder that we are not in a sugar coma by the time it hits December 31st!  

With holiday foods loaded with sugar, refined flour and unhealthy fats, your little ones’ sugar rush might seem never-ending! While it might seem harmless, too much sugar can lead to some drastic mood changes, crazy highs and lows. 

However, you can STILL brighten up your kid’s eating habits — while also letting them enjoy the delicious fun of the season! Help your family feel their best throughout all the festivities with these top healthy holiday eating tips: 

Tip 1: Moderation is key 

It’s okay to have a little sugar.  Sometimes when we avoid it at all costs we end up feeling so deprived that we overeat in sugar, we don’t want to get our kids into that habit! So we have to teach moderation.  A little sugar is alright. To achieve a moderate approach when it comes to treats, consider the 80/20 approach during the holidays.  

  • 80% of the time – Encourage your child to be eating nutritious, wholesome foods that promote growth, development, and overall well-being. 
  • 20% of the time – Allow your child to eat some of those fun foods they enjoy. 

It is also best to avoid treats in the evenings and close to bedtimes.  

 Tip 2: Sneak in the goodness 

Incorporate healthy food into the holidays. Children need nutritious meals all year round, but especially during the holiday season with all of the sweet treats! Giving your children well-balanced, nutritious meals, allows them to fill up on the good stuff which will aid in curbing their sugar cravings. Think along the lines of veggies, fruit, whole grains, legumes, healthy oils, nuts, dairy, lean meats, eggs and fish. 

If your child asks you for a sugary snack between meals, try offering them another snack option like Farm World Fruit Snacks, which is a healthy & naturally sweet alternative! 

 Tip 3: Stick to a healthy routine 

Keep a routine. Christmas is the time of year when everything slows down. Even though you need to unwind a bit, try to keep to your child’s usual routine and focus on the holiday activities rather than the food. Don’t allow your children to get up much later than usual, let them do sports as they always do, and don’t give them extra TV time. Rather try to stimulate them by suggesting games or taking them on an outing. This will also help the family get back into the swing of things post-holiday! 

 Tip 4: Choose healthier snack alternatives 

Keep the Christmas shop in check. While the stacks of great value chocolate boxes are very tempting, try to restrain yourself while doing your Christmas shopping. You can pick up two or three extra treats to make the festivities special, but keep in mind that if the treats aren’t in the cupboard, your kids won’t be tempted to indulge! Stock up on plenty of healthy snacks like fruit, nuts, and Farm World Fruit snacks. Farm World snacks are must-haves on the festive shopping list! They are fruity and naturally sweet, which makes them a great alternative to sweets in the stockings. 

 Tip 5: Stick to your healthy treat schedule 

Order is the key to avoiding the sugar rush and inevitable crash! Abide by your regular healthy treat schedule (fruit, cereal, dried fruit, vegetables, nuts, low-fat cheese, yoghurt etc) between meals but substitute some treats with a festive dessert or Christmas cookie. It will make your little ones appreciate treat time all the more! 

Remember, the most important thing is not to make your child feel guilty about enjoying the festive foods they love, but instead, teaching them to appreciate these snacks in moderation.