Let’s Celebrate!

Ashley Svaty, Nutrition, Food Safety and Health Agent 

We celebrate many occasions throughout the year, from birthdays to promotions to holidays and all other special events in between.  Take a minute to think about how you personally celebrate those special occasions.  For many, the focus is on unhealthy food and beverages and not so much focus is put on the reason behind the celebration. I’m not saying that we should never have a treat on occasion and I’m not saying that we shouldn’t celebrate or have fun!  We definitely should celebrate those special occasions with friends and family, but let’s rethink how we choose to celebrate.

While working on one of our worksite wellness initiatives, a coworker gave me a great example to use for this situation.  For her birthday, she knows that she will celebrate and have a party with her family.  Because she knows that she is going to celebrate that evening, she does not want her friends or coworkers to throw her a party during the day with lots of sweets. She knows that is just opening up the door for too many sweets which she would not have eaten on a regular day. How many of us have been in this situation? Yep, you’re not alone!

This same situation goes for children’s birthdays when many times they celebrate multiple times a day: at home with family, a party with friends, and then another at school or child care.  All of these celebrations (in most cases) include cake and/or various other sweets but food doesn’t always have to be the focal point of the party. Instead, I encourage you to find fun and creative ways to celebrate special occasions without focusing on unhealthy food.  Trust me, it’s possible and your celebration will still be fun!  Get creative and include some of the ideas below. 

Ideas for Healthier Celebrations:

• Have a dance party
• Get moving with fun activities
• Spend a day at a zoo or local attraction
• Plan special party games
• Make a sign, sash, button, to recognize the birthday child
• Enjoy a game night with friends
• Replace the “cupcake tradition” with another special activity

Healthy Party Snacks:

• Fruit smoothies
• Colorful fruits and vegetables that fit the festivities such as red fruits like watermelon or strawberries for Valentine’s Day
• Trail mix
• Fruit kabobs
• Yogurt parfaits
• Fruit cups
• Veggies with hummus

For more fun and healthy recipe ideas visit: www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org or www.kidsacookin.org

Source: Kansas Department of Education