FAQ Archive

  • August 2008:
    "Healthy choices from fast-food menus?"
  • September 2008:
    "Isn’t diet and exercise the best way to promote heart health?"
  • August 2008:
    "Healthy choices from fast-food menus?"
  • July 2008:
    Body detoxification
  • June 2008:
    Is it possible to eat well without breaking the bank?
  • May 2008:
    "Downed" cows
  • April 2008:
    “Are there healthier espresso options?”
  • March 2008:
    “Deceptively Delicious”
  • February 2008:
    What does "nutrient-rich" mean?
  • January 2008:
    Raw milk vs. pasteurized milk
  • December 2007:
    The dairy industry’s involvement in eating “local”
  • November 2007:
    E. coli and dairy foods
  • October 2007:
    School lunches vs. packed lunches
  • September 2007:
    Fat-free half-and-half
  • August 2007:
    Milk’s impact on teeth
  • July 2007:
    Dealing with lactose intolerance
  • June 2007:
    The relationship between calcium and heart disease
  • May 2007:
    Mothers’ influences on daughter’s eating habits
  • April 2007:
    “Extreme eating” at restaurants
  • March 2007:
    The validity of industry-sponsored dairy studies
  • February 2007:
    What is cloned milk and is it safe?
  • January 2007:
    Cholesterol guidelines for children
  • December 2006:
    Home-cooked healthy meal suggestions
  • November 2006
    E. coli and dairy foods
  • October 2006:
    Hormones and children’s health
  • September 2006:
    Back to school and healthy eating
  • August 2006:
    Healthy eating and summer fun
  • July 2006:
    Dietary guidelines and beverage choices
  • April 2006:
    Women’s health and eating plans
  • March 2006:
    Birthday party treats and healthy eating
  • February 2006:
    Heart healthy food plans
  • January 2006:
    Kidney stones and calcium

    • Frequently Asked Questions

    March 2006: Can kids' birthday party treats be fun AND nutritious?

    Q: The treats given out for classroom parties at my son's school are not always healthy. What nutritious foods can I serve for his upcoming birthday party that his classmates will eat?

    A: The American Dietetic Association states that there are no "good" or "bad" foods, and it is a party, so keep it fun. Fortunately, when healthy foods are presented in an enjoyable way, children will eat them.

    Here are a few ideas:

    Instead of soda and fruit drinks serve:

    • Single-serve, lowfat flavored milk
    • Lowfat milk with a variety of flavored syrups or mix-ins to create their own unique flavors
    • Fruit punch with 100 percent fruit juice; float frozen yogurt in the punch bowl
      In cooler weather, hot chocolate with crushed peppermint or peppermint stick stirrers

    Have fun with "make you own" foods:

    • Trail-mix - Let kids assemble their own from a buffet of ingredients: seeds, nuts, dried fruits and a little candy (like chocolate morsels or M&Ms)
    • Animal crackers - Let students paint them with pudding
    • Yogurt - Served in a parfait or with a sprinkles and other fun toppings
    • Mini bagel pizzas (you'll need a toaster oven to melt the cheese)

    For lunch parties:

    • Platters of cut up fruits and veggies with yogurt dip
    • Pizza, delivered, with veggie toppings
    • Baked tortilla chips with salsa, nachos and shredded lowfat cheese

    It also is important to remember that there is room for fun foods like birthday cake. Parties and holidays are a teachable moment for the concept of moderation; foods high in sugar and fat and low in nutrition are "sometimes" foods enjoyed in controlled amounts. Check out our Moms Tools for Schools for some more great nutrition ideas!