Oftentimes, the holidays are full of excitement, planning, and spreading holiday cheer. Now, more than ever, families are looking for new and creative ideas to be healthy but also to spend more time together. Eating fruits and vegetables adds not only healthy options to snacking, but they also provide some festive colors and flavors where needed.
During this holiday time, staying home and contacting your telehealth provider can help with making the most informed decisions for your family during COVID-19. Christmas, Chanukah, and Kwanzaa all have themes centered on colors or traditional food items that your family will be sure to enjoy. There is no limit on what your family can do during this holiday season to enjoy healthy holiday snacking while staying safe.
Fruit Holiday Snacks
Pairing fruits such as strawberries, bananas, and grapes with whipped cream or chocolate pieces will be sure to get the kiddies excited about snacking. Not only are they nutritious, but they are also fun finger foods that do not require a lot of cleanup or maintenance. These foods can be cut and transformed into different shapes by mom or dad, or kids can explore while putting together their own healthy holiday snack creations.
Anything covered in chocolate or peanut butter can be considered “yummy,” and with low-sugar, or no-sugar chocolate options, chocolate or peanut butter covered apples are a favorite for any time of the year. All of your family members can get involved with decorating whole apples or apple slices to go along with the holiday theme.
Healthy Desserts for the Holidays
Muffins are a sure winner to help with a craving and a sweet tooth at the same time. Replacing only a few items of a traditional muffin recipe quickly changes it from super sweet to just right and healthy. Using whole wheat flour, a sugar substitute, ginger, coconut oil, and cinnamon can satisfy the need for sweets that we always seem to have during the holidays.
If you have a cupcake pan, no-bake pie crusts allow for holiday ideas to soar. You can add fillings such as apple sauce, yogurt, fruit mixes, almond butter, peanut butter, or Nutella. This way, you can guarantee that your family is eating healthy while still eating something they will be sure to enjoy. The toppings can range from fruit choices to healthy candy items.
Whether you love fruit or snacking, a little will go a long way with these healthy holiday snack ideas. For more health tips and insight this holiday season, reach out to us and schedule a telehealth visit with one of our health care providers.
Do you have more questions about managing your health this holiday season in Salem Oregon? Contact our friendly staff at WFMC Health or become a new patient today!
