Healthy Holiday Snacks

The holidays are notorious for encouraging over-eating and indulging. In fact, the holidays can be downright unhealthy. So what is a mom to do? You don’t want to skip the snacking and holiday munchies all together, but you also don’t want your children consuming a million grams of sugar in a two day span of time either. Lucky for you there is an alternative to traditionally sugary and fat-filled snacks.

Here is a list of my favorite healthy holiday snack options.

Chococonut Bananas

This is a simple and easy snack that will cater to your sweet tooth without using sugar. Simply take 2 bananas and slice them width wise. You will be left with numerous little round banana circles. Now take two small dishes and fill one with cocoa powder and the other with coconut flakes (unsweetened). You will take each banana slice and dip it in the cocoa, shake off excess, then dip in the coconut. You will be left with a super tasty (and sweet!) bite-size snack.

Rainbow Fruit Tray

Most children love fruit so why not capitalize on it this holiday season. Create a pretty fruit tray with as many different colored fruit items as possible. Alternating between different colored fruits will create visual appeal and it will taste great. 

Roasted Chestnuts

Do you have chestnuts roasting on an open fire? If not, you should. Shoot, you can skip the fire altogether if you like and bake them in the oven. Simple take the chestnuts and cut slits in the shells. Place them on a baking sheet in the oven and cook them for approximately 20 minutes on 425 degrees. You will have a surprisingly sweet surprise waiting for your family. Who knows, you may even start a new family tradition.

Candy Cane Hot Chocolate

This is a fabulous idea I found on 3 fat chicks on a diet. Warm a cup of skim chocolate milk and stir with a candy cane. You will have a yummy holiday treat the family is sure to love.

Healthy Gingerbread Men
Use a gingerbread shaped cookie cutter to cut pieces of whole wheat bread into little gingerbread men.  Now spread some peanut butter or cream cheese over the top of the bread. You can then let your kiddos decorate their gingerbread men with raisins, dried fruit, or nuts for a healthy and fun holiday inspired snack.

As you can see, maintaining healthy eating habits doesn’t have to be boring or bland. You can still have a tasty and fun holiday snack without sacrificing your health.  What healthy snacks do you plan on serving this holiday season?