Children adore the family ritual of baking and cooking over the holidays. There is no better combo than spending quality time with family and enjoying delectable meals. Try making your holiday dishes healthier this year so you don’t have to worry about your kids refusing to eat them. You may create enjoyable and healthful holiday foods with a few simple ingredient suggestions.

Making Holiday Recipes Healthier for Kids

Common Substitutions

Many families are reluctant to replace their beloved holiday recipes with brand-new ones. It’s not too difficult to replace some of the ingredients in a typical recipe with healthier alternatives. You can have fun adjusting the modifications to create a fresh take on a time-honored favorite, even though the final product may taste or look slightly different.

Sweet Potatoes

You can increase the amount of fiber and vitamins in a recipe by substituting sweet potatoes for regular Russet or gold ones. If you don’t want a lot of color shift, look for white sweet potatoes. Additionally, because the potatoes now have a stronger sweetness, you can use less sugar or sweetener in the dish.

Whole Grain Versions

Try using a whole grain type whenever a recipe asks for grains. Less processing makes these versions healthier, and the fiber helps your kids feel fuller for longer, which means they’ll need fewer snacks later. Try a variety of bread and pasta brands to see which your family enjoys. For any baking, whole wheat flour is a simple one-to-one substitute; the finished product will have a slightly coarser consistency, but the cooking time remains the same.

Fruit Sweeteners

Fruit can be used as binding agents and/or sweeteners in a variety of recipes. In most recipes, dates work well in place of white sugar. Because dates are sticky and help hold the dough together, you can often use less butter or eggs when using them as well.You may simply make these trades with the aid of our conversion chart. For a lower-fat, higher-fiber dish, substitute applesauce or other fruit products for eggs or oil in batters.

Moisture from Veggies

To get the proper consistency, many recipes require additional moisture. Try adding cooked and pureed veggies in place of more eggs, oil, or butter. For breads and pastries, zucchini and carrots work well, and avocados can be used in place of butter. For additional suggestions on how to include vegetables in sweets, refer to these guidelines. Puree leafy greens with the recipe’s sauce to add moisture and volume to savory recipes while using less cheese or milk.

Maglara’s photo via 123RF

Recipes Kids Will Love

Any recipe may be improved with a few smart, healthful substitutions, but it’s fun to experiment with new recipes where the hidden components contribute to the dish’s appeal. With the help of these kid-friendly holiday recipes, you can offer something that will delight everyone while maximizing flavor and nutrition.

• These fudgy zucchini brownies are a hit any time of year, but top them with green avocado frosting and holiday sprinkles for a winning dessert.
• Add these whole wheat pumpkin applesauce muffins to your fall and winter breakfast menu; the recipe is easy enough that kids can complete most of the steps on their own, too!
• For a healthy, hearty dinner, try this butternut squash lasagna. The holiday flavors take center stage here, and because you re using butternut squash instead of meat or extra cheese filling, the whole dish is packed with extra vitamins and fiber.
• As a side dish or main course, this keto stovetop stuffing has the same appeal as regular bread stuffing with a healthier twist. Kids will love making the homemade mug bread, too, so get them involved in the process.
• A sweet potato gratin is an excellent alternative to traditional potato dishes at your holiday potluck. Using low-fat milk and less cheese, you can turn this savory dish into a slightly sweet offering that kids will love.
• For holiday snacks, try to make the food fun and festive. Your kids won t notice if they re healthy, too. This Santa toast uses whole wheat bread and fruit, while these cookie-cutter pizzas are the perfect light dinner treat (buy whole wheat dough or make your own!).

Your children will love the festive fare, which will keep them healthy throughout the year. It just requires a little imagination!