With the holidays right around the corner and the weather turning colder, many people associate it with staying in, less exercise, and indulging in all the treats that come along with the season. While it’s important to create a magical time of year for your kids and honor traditions like baking your grandmother’s famous Christmas cookies together, moderation and health are still important, especially for our growing children. Trying to get your kids to eat healthier can feel difficult, even in the summer when fresh fruit and vegetables are in season, so that winter can make it even harder. If you’re looking for ways to get your children to eat healthier this winter and keep it up through the New Year, keep reading for tips on how to accomplish it.

Grow Your Own 

One of the easiest ways to get children excited about healthy food choices is to grow your own. While the holiday and winter don’t lend themselves to starting a garden in your backyard, you can get a head start with smaller growing indoors. From potted herbs on the windowsill to the greenhouse, the sky’s the limit to your winter growing. Micro greens kits are a fantastic introduction to home growing with children because they grow so quickly, not to mention pack a serious nutritional punch on top of a salad or in smoothies.

Sweet Treats 

Who says your sweet treats this holiday season have to be unhealthy? There are plenty of ways to sweeten your holiday baking without a cup full of sugar in the recipe. Sourcing alternative sweeteners for your holiday cookies is easy when you use additions like date syrup or figs. You can also opt for sugar substitutes like honey and maple syrup. Put a healthier twist on your holiday desserts, and the kids likely won’t even notice!

Eat the Rainbow 

One of the most magical parts of the holiday season for children is the vibrant colors and twinkling lights. Incorporate plenty of color into your winter recipes to get kids excited about what they’re eating. Produce in beautiful shades of red like peppers, cherry tomatoes, and berries is great as an after-school snack or a quick dinner when you’re short on time – like most parents! Salads aren’t just a summer thing and complement the heartiest meals on a snow day, so don’t serve mashed potatoes, opt for a healthier salad instead. 

Embrace Plant-Based 

For many people these days, embracing healthy living means going plant-based. Even if you think your family couldn’t go vegan, embracing plant-based versions of your favorite winter meals is always a step in the healthier direction. From plant-based pot roasts to a Tofurkey for Thanksgiving, there are various options to make sure your kids are eating as healthy as possible. You can also make tofu-based holiday puddings and use tofu in your famous holiday lasagna. The sky’s the limit, and creating plant-based dishes is just another tool in your culinary toolkit.

Keep Kid’s Routines in Place 

From snow days to planned holiday breaks during the winter, it’s easy for your kid’s routines to get thrown off track, including their eating habits. As a parent, you know how important and beneficial solid routines are, so try to keep your kid’s eating on track. From healthy breakfasts, snacks, and meals in between, don’t let them become couch potatoes just because they can’t get outside. By anticipating their hunger and preparing healthy snacks on time, you avoid drops in mood from hunger and keep them satisfied with healthier choices than a convenient bag of chips or cookies.

Enjoy Activities 

While this last tip doesn’t revolve around food, it can keep your older kids and teens from reaching for unhealthy convenience foods. The holiday season is about spending time together and making memories, so plan plenty of family fun and activities to keep your kids occupied and engaged. While you don’t want to burn yourself out as a parent, with some planning and time management, you and your kids can enjoy quality time together that doesn’t include sitting in front of the TV with sugary snacks. 

Staying healthy during the holidays takes preparation and persistence, but it’s worth knowing you’re investing in your children’s health and your own. Happy holidays and here’s to your health!