Healthy holiday treats for kids

4. Get rid of sugary pop or juice
Soft drink consumption has doubled in the past 25 years. It is estimated that the average child consumes a whopping 29 teaspoons of added refined sugar per day! The average can of pop contains between 9 and 11 teaspoons of sugar. A recent study appearing in the Journal of Pediatrics from Cornell University found that children who drank more than 12 ounces of sweetened drinks a day gained significantly more weight over a two-month period than children who drank less than 6 ounces a day. Sweet drinks were defined as soda or pop, fruit punch, bottled teas or drinks made from fruit-flavoured powders such as grape or lemonade. Cutting excess calories by changing a child's beverages is one of the easiest ways to help them maintain a healthy body weight and keep down sugar intake. Replace sugary drinks with watered-down natural fruit juices or water.

5. Follow the 80-20 rule of eating
Kids are kids and will fall off the healthy eating wagon -- especially around the holiday season. I am an advocate of not being too stringent when it comes to their diet. Allow them to indulge in the occasional goody that you would normally never bring into your house. In other words, if they are at a family holiday party, allow them the treats 20 per cent of the time and have them eat healthier choices 80 per cent of the time. By doing so, you will avoid food binges or food battles and they will not experience feelings of deprivation.

Looking for a "healthier" holiday cookie? Simply follow the recipe below and enjoy!

Soft and Delicious Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup whole grain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1-1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup oil
• 1 large omega-3 egg
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1/2 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 cup golden raisins or chocolate chips

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375 F and grease cookie sheets. Mix the dry ingredients. Beat the oil and egg together and add the applesauce. Slowly add the dry ingredients, stirring well. Mix in the oats and raisins or chocolate chips. Spoon onto the prepared sheets and bake for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!

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