As December approaches, bringing with it a sprinkle of magic and festive cheer, Wholesome Kids Catering is here to support child care centers in ensuring kids enjoy a holiday season filled with both joy and nutrition. This month’s theme is all about Festive Wellness—a celebration of health during the holidays that allows kids to revel in the fun without compromising their well-being!

The holiday season is often associated with indulgence, but that doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice healthy eating habits.  As childcare providers, you play a pivotal role in shaping young minds and taste buds towards nutritious choices. Our focus is on simple, healthy foods that are lower in sugar and salt, giving kids the nourishment they need

By promoting balanced meals and delicious snacks, you set the stage for lifelong healthy eating patterns. Sticking to consistent meal schedules provides much-needed structure during the holiday festivities. Encourage regular mealtimes and sprinkle in some wholesome snacks between them to keep energy levels steady, allowing children to fully engage in holiday activities.

Let’s talk treats!

Holiday snacks are a staple during this season, and you can take balanced options and make them festive to keep things fun and exciting while still offering tons of nutrition.

Consider fruit skewers shaped like Christmas trees or whole-grain crackers topped with cheese stars. Remember our 80/20 rule: aim for 80% nutritious foods while leaving room (20%) for fun foods too.

Here are a couple of snack ideas that won’t take hours in Santa’s workshop:

• Snowman Yogurt Cups: Use plain yogurt as snowmen bodies; add raisin eyes and carrot noses.
• Festive Veggie Platter: Arrange colorful veggies into wreath shapes and add a protein-rich dip like hummus or tzatziki in the center.

These options keep kids happy while ensuring their nutritional needs are met.

As we wrap up another fantastic year together (pun intended!), the importance of maintaining healthy diets cannot be overstated during these festive months. We encourage you to use these strategies within your centres and at home for an enjoyable and healthy holiday experience.

We wish you all a merry holiday season filled with joy and nourishment!