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!
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