Family Health

Healthy food fuels families

Whole food treats for a healthier Halloween

HALLOWEEN IS BELOVED AND CELEBRATED by small and big goblins alike, but historically, has given license to over-indulging in sugary treats, and that’s not good for even the hardiest of princesses and superheroes.

Fortunately, with a little creativity and a few quick internet searches, you and your kids can create some wholesome treats that are festive and fun, while still being nutritious.

For example, halved bananas can be transformed into little ghosts by jaggedly cutting them in the middle and then using a dark jam or nut butter on the rounded end to make a face. And oranges can be carved into cute little jack-o’-lanterns. Remove all the pulp (save to use later), and then fill them with trail mix, organic gummy bears or other healthy snacks. Vegetables, too, can be carved and arranged into all kinds of Halloween-y treats, or use food dye to turn popcorn into spooky Halloween colors. The possibilities are endless so let your creativity run wild!

Dinner together is so much more than just a meal

BETWEEN PARENTS’ JOBS AND kids’ extra-curricular activities, getting everyone to the table for dinner can be challenging, but according to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, it’s well worth the effort.

The study found that family dinners increase feelings of connectedness and belonging in children. Those feelings of warmth, care and love children experience as a result were found to be protective against mental illness and supportive of psychological health and wellbeing, which helps children grow into better-adjusted, more resilient teenagers and adults.

In addition, children’s psychosocial development, which includes forming one’s identity, figuring out one’s place in the world, learning how to interact with others, and feeling competent and confident, are all positively influenced by the simple act of eating together as a family.

The study also reported that family dinners improve children’s overall level of nutrition and help kids develop healthy attitudes towards food.

Whole food snacks for little minds and bodies

Our standard American diet, unironically abbreviated as ‘SAD,’ is full of processed foods that contain too much sugar, sodium, unhealthy fats and additives and preservatives most of us can’t pronounce. While they usually taste great, consumption of these foods has been linked to insulin resistance, obesity and reduced mental performance in children, which negatively affects their ability to learn and focus.

Instead, when the kids need something to nibble on, have some nutritious, wholefood snacks on hand that will not only fill them up, but will provide the nourishment their brains and bodies need.

For ideas and recipes, the internet is your gateway to a vast array of fun ideas. Try swapping out processed pizza pockets for healthy crackers with cheese and tomato slices on top, a.k.a. “mini pizzas.” And instead of cookies, have your kids help you make some nutritious, no-bake oat and nut-butter balls, or dress up celery sticks with nut butter or cream cheese and then add a fun topping like raisins for Ants on a Log, nuts or fresh berries.