Ask Bonnie
January 2010
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Question #1:
Do you have any ideas on creating a junk food, candy-free party for my children?
Answer #1:
Many party hosts feel they are giving kids the ultimate treat by spreading a
table laden with every imaginable kind of junk food. A typical party table is
graced with a white flour, frosted cake in the center decorated with a sugary,
colorant laden picture of Superman or Barbie. There is likely to be an array of
cupcakes made with the same awful ingredients, bowls of various types of colored
candies, potato crisps, lollipops, ice cream and so on. Surprised parents and
friends then wonder why, after gorging on this rubbish for a couple of hours,
the party disintegrates into a frightening display of kids who are fighting,
screaming and hyperactive. To avoid this scenario, try healthy snacks next time
around.
Any parent who has hosted a party for kids knows that food actually plays a
small role in the success of the event. Kids are far more interested in swimming
or playing games. Having a theme and organizing a few games with prizes will
make kids even happier.
Drinks and snacks are something the kids will come past for every now and then,
so keep their blood sugar levels stable and introduce foods that are colorful
but healthy. If they are amazed or disgusted at a display of healthy food, don't
be discouraged. If they are hungry, they will eat.
Games and Health Food
Generally, small kids like to toy with their food. Why not turn this into a
game? Hand each child a paper plate and let them make a clown's face or some
other work of art out of slices of cucumber, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks or
brightly colored sliced fruit, nuts and raisins. Hand out prizes for the best
picture and then give them time to eat their creations.
Another idea is to let them make their own fruit skewers out of strawberries,
oranges, apples, sliced bananas, mango pieces and so on. Watch them carefully
though, as small kids can stab themselves or others with wooden skewer sticks.
Party Food Ideas
Keep finger foods handy such as bite sized, boneless chicken pieces.
Small meat balls and healthy mini-pizzas are easy to make and set out.
Keep small bowls of grapes, watermelon chunks, cheese squares, cucumber slices,
cherry tomatoes, dried fruit, nuts and popcorn handy.
As a table centerpiece, have a colorful bowl of fruit filled with oranges,
apples, bananas, apricots, plums and any other appealing fruit that can be
grabbed in passing.
If kids still look hungry, hand out some pre-made muesli bars or oat squares
sweetened with dried fruit and honey.
Party Drinks
Keep plenty of water available in glass jugs. Add lemon slices and strawberries,
which will add flavor and will look wonderful. Homemade, frozen fruit juice
lollies can be handed out if it is a hot day. Make a fruity punch out of
raspberry juice, pineapple juice and water.
Have a happy, healthy day.
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