There is nothing more difficult than trying to persuade a five-year-old to eat sliced vegetables at a birthday party over a slice of cake.
But with obesity levels in Australia’s youngest generation now at an all time high, there is reason to hide the hot chips and opt for an all-natural juice instead.
Nutritionist Susie Burrell understands the struggle, being a mother herself, and believes there are ways to make large gatherings healthy without ruining the festive vibe.
Nutritionist Susie Burrell understands the struggle, being a mother herself, and believes there are ways to make large gatherings healthy without ruining the festive vibe
‘Children as young as three and four will not remember the party,’ she told Bellamy’s Organic.
‘As harsh as this sounds it is good motivation to serve the foods that you know are best for the little ones.
‘At these ages kids are just as likely to get excited about fresh fruits and yoghurt ice blocks as they are lollies and cake, so there is no need to feel guilty about serving mostly healthy options.’
If the food served is as vibrant as the sweet treats there is no reason why they won’t be satisfied.
‘Remember little tummies only need tiny amounts of food,’ Susie continues.
If the food served is as vibrant as the sweet treats there is no reason why they won’t be satisfied (fairy bread for hommus and crackers)
Change things up: And while the cake is always expected to be the most decadent dish on the table, choosing low-sugar options like a watermelon cake is a good way to strike a balance between tasty and sweet
‘This means that serving a few mini cupcakes, cake pops or mini individual chocolates will be more than enough sweet food for them to get a sugar and party hit from.’
And while the cake is always expected to be the most decadent dish on the table, choosing low-sugar options like a watermelon cake is a good way to strike a balance between tasty and sweet.
Surround the cake with ‘sushi, cut-up fruit and vegetables with dish’ because these will be popular with the little ones, Susie explains.
‘Serving these healthy options first is the easiest way to fill kids up with foods they like at any party prior to serving sugarier party foods.’
Traditional treats like pies and sausage rolls (left) could be traded for a protein-rich snack like a vegetable quiche (right) or home made meatballs
And sugary soft drinks can be opted out for a glass of milk and flavoured straw, Susie Burrell said (pictured)
Traditional treats like pies and sausage rolls could be traded for a protein-rich snack like a vegetable quiche or home made meatballs.
And sugary soft drinks can be opted out for a glass of milk and flavoured straw.
As many as 20 per cent of Australia’s two to four-year-olds are overweight or obese, making this an important first step in conquering our unhealthy habits.
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare conducted a study late last year which showed pre-schoolers are more than twice as likely to be obese as children their age were 20 years ago.
Deeming the matter a ‘major public health issue’ for the country, the report also suggests portion sizes, which have increased up to 66 per cent, have played a significant role in the expanding waistlines.
According to the Picture of Overweight and Obesity in Australia study, people of all ages are not immune to the growing trend, with one-in-four five to 17-year-old’s classed as overweight or obese.
Similarly, nearly two-thirds of Australian adults were overweight or obese, a figure that has increased six per cent from 1995.