Healthy Kids & Christmas
Christmas is typically the time of year where any hope of a balanced diet goes out the door. With the constant temptations of alcohol and chocolate coated almonds, it is difficult to keep on track. Whilst it is only natural to treat yo self a little more through the holiday season, it is wise to have a few little tips in mind to avoid eating yourself sick (literally). This goes for your kids as well.
We know that most of our adult readers know wrong from right and do not need us to tell them there are healthier alternatives to rum balls. But when it comes to the little ones, some parents may benefit from a few little holiday tips to keep the kids healthy and active.
Keeping the kids active is a must! With school holidays going for weeks, it is tempting to put on a movie to keep them entertained. Summer time means outside is their playground. Townsville has many options including:
- The Queens Park mazes. These would keep us entertained for hours when we were kids.
- Jezzine Barracks picnic tables and playgrounds. Spend the morning cooking some healthy Christmas snacks and take them to the park.
- Hike the Magnetic Island forts walk and spot the koalas.
- The Barra Fun Park
Whichever activity you decide, be sure to pack SNACKS! Lots of them! Stuck for ideas? Try some of these...
Wartermelon and mint slushy
What is more christmasy than a red and green summery drink! All you need is ice, watermelon, mint and lime. Try freezing 4 cups of chopped watermelon and adding it to the blender with 3/4 cup of ice, 1/2 cup of lime juice and as much as mint as your childrens heart desires.
Banana Snowman
Get festive with a banana snowman pop. These are so simple and quick to make. They are the perfect balance between naughty and nice with fresh fruit and some marshmallows. All you need is:
-Skewer
-Bananas (cut in half)
-Strawberries (Santa hat)
-Marshmallows (big and mini)
-Dark chocolate chips
All you have to do is poke the wooden skewer through the banana whilst making sure it comes through the top point of the banana. Squish down a marshmallow until it becomes flat enough to be the fluff around the snowman's Santa's hat. Then Poke an upside down strawberry and mini marshmallow on top. Poke two chocolate chips on the belly of the banana to be the snowman's buttons.
Snowballs
Swap the chocolate and rum balls this Christmas with some healthy coconut snowballs. These are a delicious and nutritious alternative that are fun for the kids to help to make (if you accept there will be some sticky and messy hands). All you will need is:
- 5 Tbsp. of peanut butter
- 1.5 cups of toasted granola
-2 Tbsp. of maple syrup
- 1/3 cup of crushed macadamias
- 1/2 cup of puffed brown rice
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla essence
- coconut
Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl until combined. Add peanut butter, syrup and vanilla essence. Roll into balls and cover in coconut. Place in the freezer until hard. Delish!
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