By Alvina Brown


Between Thanksgiving pies, Christmas cookies, and New Year's celebrations, the holidays offer lots of reasons to binge out on your favorite dishes and desserts. Still, it’s easy to let healthy eating habits slip – including for nieces and nephews. Healthy eating habits help us all avoid holiday weight gain, keep the immune system strong, and help fend off stress and fatigue.

Here are some healthy holiday eating tips for your nieces and nephews:

Snack before you go! It’s easier to prevent overeating when the kids aren’t hungry.

Avoid fast food during the holidays. It may be easy to access, but it’s high in sugar and sodium and low in nutrition.

Ask your nieces and nephews to help you make a low-calorie dish to bring to holiday parties.

Model for them how to eat smaller portions, especially at parties where it’s all-you-can-eat. Once they choose the food they want to eat, try to serve them in small portions.

Be an example by munching on fresh fruits, veggies and whole grains - instead of chips and chicken wings!

Here are some tips to keep your nieces and nephews active during the holidays:

Go outside and play - or to help their parents, grandparents and even their dear Auntie! Whether it’s building snow forts - or raking leaves or shoveling snow – outdoor activity can help get their heart rate up.

Go on a family outing. Gather everyone and go ice skating, skiing or hiking.

Take advantage of the holiday music and get to dancing all over the house.

Give gifts to your nieces and nephews that encourage physical activity. Whether it’s a new tutu, hockey stick, or soccer ball, get them gifts that keep on giving back to their good health! 


Photo: dolgachov
Published: December 22, 2015