by Jacqueline Alwill
Most parents would agree that planning a kids’ party with the (inevitable) sugar highs that come with party food and treats is a tad exhausting even before the party starts. So to save you from your next kids’ party headache, dive into these 5 hacks for a healthier kids’ party.
1. FIND FAMILY FAVES
Plan the party WITH your kids when it comes to activities and food. Understand what makes them completely stoked and then be clever in the way you balance the party and health-ify it. If a piñata is on the cards, pop in some cool treats to balance the sweet ones exploding out of it. If your family loves a chocolate cake then make that the hero and leave the extra sugary cupcakes or dense brownies out of the plan. And, if lolly bags to take home are a non-negotiable then top up with some items that maybe aren’t related to food, but still super fun – try packs of cards, cool pencils or mini joke books instead.
2. ENJOY THE SWEET
But be savvy in how you peel it back, so it doesn’t become a sugar rave. Kids actually don’t care if it’s lollypops on a table or watermelon cut and presented with a stick like a lollypop. It’s the novelty that counts for them and they’ll eat whatever is there. Remember that, because in the midst of wanting to make each party epic for your kids, it can be lost. Simple go to treats without the refined sugar hit might include:
3. SAY HEY TO SAVOURY
To balance the sweet, make it a 2:1 ratio of savoury to sweet on the table and you’ll have a much happier bunch of kids in your company. Remember you don’t have to be making everything yourself, hunt down good quality party food from your local baker, pizzeria or sushi store to top things up and get some quick, little person loving, savoury action on the food table. Consider these crowd favourites:
- pizza slices - many great pizza shops will happily make up a large slab of pizza with a simple margherita topping if you order in advance
- mix of brown and white rice vegetable sushi
- veggie dip boats
- mini frittata
- sweet potato wedges
- vegetarian sausage rolls
- lavosh or pita bread chips with (no spice) guacamole
4. SWAP THE SODAS
There are always better options and Remedy Drinks has just made the healthiest yet with their NEW fermented soda range. Whilst the idea of juice boxes and some sneaky sugar laden soft drinks might be tempting to keep the small peeps happy this party season, rethink your choices for a HAPPIER and HEALTHIER event. Remedy Drinks has just introduced five new fermented sodas to the Remedy stable including crowd favourites such as Cola, Lemon Lime and Bitters, Lemonade, Ginger Beer and Oranja which means there is a flavour for everyone big and little alike. What’s the difference between Remedy and the ‘usual’ soft drinks or sodas you ask? Well … Remedy Sodas are made with organic fruit juices brewed with Remedy’s live culture to ferment out all of the sugar before adding all natural ingredients including spices and botanicals. Remedy Drinks are making sodas right, with no sugar, naturally. A healthier, tasty fizzy? Yes please!
5. RUN THEM RAGGED
Finally, rather than leave the cake til last, sneak it in half way, get the savoury food out and run kids around before parents come to pick up. Tap into all your old favourite party games and tricks you loved growing up and bring them to life again - pin the tail on the donkey (maybe a minion?), three legged or egg and spoon races, tag, tip you name it. A party planned around great games, healthy food and drinks and family faves are fun filled, healthy kids’ parties done right.
Recipe: Choc Dipped Pineapple Triangles
Makes approximately 24 slices
Dairy Free: Gluten Free: Refined Sugar Free: Vegan
- 1 small pineapple, sliced into 1cm thick triangles, skin left intact
- 1/2 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1/2 cup raw cacao powder
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Toppings: finely chopped pepitas, pistachios, coconut flakes, cranberries, or any other dried fruits and nuts you wish
Whisk together coconut oil, raw cacao powder, maple syrup and vanilla.
Line a large baking tray with greaseproof paper.
Dip 3/4 pineapple piece into melted chocolate, allow a little to drip off the end, lay onto tray and repeat.
Place in fridge to set for 10 minutes then repeat with remaining chocolate this time adding the dried fruit, seeds and nuts (optional) on the top of the pineapple and chocolate.
Pop back in fridge or freezer to set and serve straight from fridge or freezer (chocolate will melt quickly if it’s a hot day!).
This post originally appeared on Remedy Nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill's Brown Paper Bag blog.
