Healthy Snacks: A New Approach to Holiday Eating

9 October 2023

Strategies for Healthy Snacking During the Holiday

Whenever festive season approaches, the magic within my household truly comes alive. It's a wonderful time we look forward to each year, filled with love, joy, and of course, plenty of food. Yes, we're enthusiastic foodies in my family. Ethan and I have spent countless evenings whipping up culinary delights together. Even our little ones, Arlo and Ariel, have inherited our passion. Yet as much as we adore our holiday meals, I grew concerned about the impact of all these calorific delights on our health. So, I did what any self-respecting blogger would do. I researched. The findings? Our holiday feast needed a healthy makeover, and snacks were the perfect starting point.

Unveiling the Truth About Snacks

The widespread notion that snacks are inherently unhealthy is most certainly a myth. It certainly does depend on what you're snacking on, how often, and the portion sizes. High sugar, high-fat options like the chocolate Santa Claus or candied nuts commonly associated with holidays are a delightful treat, no doubt, but not necessarily the best thing for your health. Amid all the festivity, it's easy to forget the little things that determine our wellness. This is where I stumbled upon an alternate approach. One that didn't involve completely avoiding snacks during our favorite holiday period but transforming them into equally appealing, healthier versions.

The Magic of Health in a Snack

When we hear the term 'healthy snacks', it often conjures up images of raw vegetables or bland, unappealing food. This assumption couldn't be further from the truth. Healthy snacks can be incredibly delicious if you know what to pair them with. Ethan and I tried out roasted chickpeas coated in spices, and I kid you not, they were an absolute hit at our Thanksgiving dinner. Meanwhile, my kids, who can be picky eaters at times, relished the homemade fruit yogurts. Hiding in this unassuming dessert was a variety of fruits packed with vitamins and antioxidants. It's all about making small yet significant substitutions that can transform the health value of your snack without tarnishing the taste.

Grocery Store Secrets for Healthier Snacks

Picking the right ingredients is the pillar to achieving a healthier snacking habit. Whenever we go grocery shopping, Ethan and I have turned it into a fun competition, tracking who can land the healthiest items into our cart. It's a playful way for us, yes, but also a means to expose our kids to healthier food choices. Some of our chart-toppers includes raw nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and proteins. We also look for things labeled "low sodium", "low sugar" and "non-GMO". Choosing organic produce is another way to decrease the intake of harmful chemicals and pesticides present in conventionally farmed food.

Involve the Kids in Preparing Healthy Snack Festivities

If there's one lesson I've learned as a mother, it's that if you involve children in the process of making food, they're a lot more likely to eat it. I regularly get Arlo and Ariel involved with snack prep. Not only does it keep them occupied -- novelty food items never fail to fascinate the kids -- but they also cherish the end product. The experience provides a dual benefit. They learn about portion control, healthy ingredients, and enjoy the ride along the way. A win-win situation!

Plan Ahead and Prepare in Bulk

The holidays are a busy period, a time when we often find ourselves overwhelmed with tasks. Last-minute tension can make it tempting to go for processed snacks. Here's a simple yet efficient solution to avoid this trap: plan your snacks ahead of time and prepare them in bulk. This strategy has made a huge difference for us. Now, we always have a healthy snack or two up our sleeve when hunger hits in between the holiday chores. Most importantly, it provides relief from the stress of whipping up something at the last moment.

Who says holidays have to be synonymous with unhealthy eating habits? With a bit of creativity and planning, you can make these festive periods an opportunity to indulge in tasty, yet healthy, food. Remember, it's not about depriving yourself of the foods you love; rather, focus on making healthier choices and maintaining moderation. Taking the initiative to transform our snack habits has reshaped our approach to eating during the holidays – not just for Ethan and me, but also for Arlo and Ariel. Our experience is evidence that with a little effort, you too can rejoice in the festivities without compromising your health. Now, isn't that something to celebrate?