- Pacific
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.
For party favors, hand each child a small flower pot and some flower or herb seeds for
them to plant at home. (Natural
News, 12.10.2009, Fleur Hupston, citizen journalist, See all articles by this author, Email
this author) http://www.naturalnews.com/027703_junk_food_party.html
http://www.naturalparenting.com.au/...
http://www.smh.com.au/news/recipes/...
http://healthycooking.suite101.com/...
Eastern