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Curbing sugar overload during the holidays
Asha Dornfest of Parent Hacks | November 10th, 2008 - 2:12 PM
Starting on October 31, sweets seem to be a staple part of kids’ diets through the end of the year. Halloween candy, pumpkin pie, hot chocolate, cookies, candy canes…it seems like there’s no end to the sugar. Seasonal treats are part of the holiday fun, but eating something sugary every day for a few months sets kids up to crave it year-round.
Here are a few strategies for a more healthful holiday season:
Store surplus candy and cookies in the freezer. My kids were horrified at prospect of trashing the bulk of their Halloween candy, so we threw it into a Ziploc bag and tossed it in the freezer. Whenever we go to the movies, we dip into our stash so we can avoid the overpriced (and supersized) theater snacks. Otherwise, it’s out of sight out of mind.
Establish a dessert rule before the holidays. Before the holidays, we talk about what a body needs to be healthy, and we refer to those ideas as we celebrate. Believe it or not, our kids appreciate the guidance, even when they don’t like the restriction. Without supervision, our son has been known to take a dinner-sized helping from the dessert table. Our new rule is “choose one treat and come see us about the rest.” We stop short of hovering, but be don’t allow unsupervised gorging on sweets.
Feed kids well before hitting holiday parties. If kids are already full when they walk in the door, they’re less likely to inhale whatever treats are available.
Divide dessert into tiny servings. Think miniature everything. Mini cookies, individual tartlets, square-inch brownies, tiny cups of cocoa. Kids crave the taste, not the amount. This way, they can try “one of everything” without eating a week’s worth of sugar in one sitting.
Cultivate healthier holiday dessert traditions. This is a tricky one, as much of the pleasure of the holidays includes eating the same foods every year. Try introducing some lighter dessert fare to create some new traditions. How about pumpkin custard instead of pumpkin pie? Or apple slices dipped in caramel sauce? A huge fruit tray placed on the table after dinner — but well before dessert — may satisfy kids just as well. We can hope, right?
I like your advice; especially the note about reminding the kids to think of healthier choices that their bodies need.
To tell you the truth, my biggest fight during the holiday season is with myself. The old adage is so true, isn’t it: “More is caught than taught.” If my little girls see me eating a plateful of goodies after a big dinner and I only allow them two cookies…hmmm. I find that I MUST be willing to put the same restrictions on myself that I put on them, or the whole thing breaks down. That’s a battle for this mom all year round.
I just wrote about this topic on my blog as well in response to the reports of the banning of bake sales in schools in CA:
http://relevantmom.blogspot.com/2008/11/food-feuds-relevant-foodie.html
I think you have posted good advice.
Ultimately I think moderation is the key! Of course that starts with momma!
We always do a holiday jingle bell hike. Depending upon the weather it can be a nature hike or an urban hike. The kids tie jingle bells on their shoes and hats. They look forward to it every year and it’s an activity that takes them away from the cookie plates.
Joy: SO TRUE. So true.
Jenni: A great counterpoint to the excessive calories — a calorie-burning holiday ritual. I’m thinking: “Annual Hanukkah Family Treadmill Round Robin.” Seriously — it’s fantastic advice.
Here’s a great hint for leftover trick or treat candy. Save it until Christmas. We use it to decorate Gingerbread houses. The kids make gingerbread houses by “gluing” graham crackers to an empty orange juice carton with store bought frosting. Then they glue leftover halloween candy all over it. Yes it’s sticky and gross but at least they’re not eating it all!
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