Editor's note
The following abstract describes a publication that is available as a downloadable PDF.
See the companion publication N1036, Healthy Celebrations poster.
This poster addresses the importance of healthy celebrations for children. Risks of using food as a reward are discussed. Ideas for ways to celebrate the child, as well as healthy party snack and activity ideas are provided.
Topics
- Nutrition
- Health
- Celebrations
- Parties
- Using food as a reward
- Healthy party snacks
- Party activities
- Rewards
- SNAP
Pages
The printed version is a two-page 8.5-by-11 inch handout.
See handout content below.
Healthy Celebrations
It’s important for children to develop healthy eating habits early on, because habits developed in childhood are likely to last the rest of their lives. Celebrations or rewards that include healthy foods and physical activity send a consistent message to children about the importance of healthy eating.
When we use treat foods as a reward, they become more desirable to children and increase the likelihood of overeating these foods now and in the future.
Take the focus off food.
There are lots of ways to celebrate or reward children that don’t involve food. You can give small items like jump ropes and colored pencils or plan a fun family activity. Here are some ideas:
- Go bowling or mini golfing.
- Visit a zoo.
- Go for an outing to the park.
- Take walks or bike rides together.
- Have game nights or movie nights; let your child choose the movie or game.
Family meals and celebrations are great opportunities to set good examples and help children learn to associate healthy food and physical activity with fun.
If food is offered:
- Include fruits, veggies, whole grains, low-fat dairy and water for beverages.
- Make it healthy, but make it fun too.
- Mini fruit kebabs with yogurt for dip
- Quesadillas with cheese and veggies
- Trail mix with whole-grain cereal, dried fruit, pretzels or popcorn
- Whole-grain English muffin pizzas
- Fruit smoothie
- Give your child an assortment of finger foods and let them make a funny face or design on their plate.
Mini Fruit Kebabs with Blueberry Yogurt Dip
Ingredients:
Kebabs
- 4 grapes
- 4 fresh pineapple chunks
- 4 strawberries
- 4 toothpicks
Blueberry yogurt dip
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 1 cup blueberries
Directions:
For the kebabs: Thread the grapes, pineapple chunks and strawberries onto toothpicks in any order you like.
For the dip: Mash blueberries with a fork and stir them into the yogurt. Or put yogurt and blueberries into a blender and blend until smooth.
Serve the fruit kebabs with the yogurt for dip.
Refrigerate any leftovers immediately. You can easily change this recipe to include whatever fruit you have on hand or your family prefers.