Are you in charge of planning for your child’s school Valentine Party? It used to be pretty easy – bake some cupcakes, buy some pop or punch, open a bag of chips and maybe add some ice cream. Today, many schools are asking that primarily healthy foods be included in class parties. This doesn’t mean that cookies, cupcakes or candy are permanently banned from these celebrations but we really should think about including healthy foods as the star of the party!
What are some choices you could include that are healthy and also delicious? Think of MyPlate and try to include something from two or more sections. Be sure and check with your school on any restrictions they may have on parties and talk to the classroom teacher to see if there are any children with food allergies in the class.
- Fresh fruit is always a good idea. Fruit could be cut up and placed on small skewers to make kabobs. These are fun for adults or children. Dried fruit or frozen fruit can be a sweet treat!
- Cut veggies such as carrots, cucumbers, or broccoli can be served with a low fat dip or dressing. Maybe introduce something new such as hummus as a healthy dip for the veggies.
- Cheese served on whole-grain crackers is a great source of both the dairy and grains that our bodies need every day. Yogurt smoothies or parfaits that those at the event can make for themselves are fun and nutritious.
- Pretzels, popcorn, graham crackers or low fat granola bars are tasty treats and also provide whole grain goodness for your body. Trail mix is another great choice – it could be prepared ahead of time or those attending could measure and mix their own!
- For drinks, why not have water, milk or 100% fruit juice as the choices. The best choice for the milk would be low-fat or non-fat plain milk but low-fat flavored milk is also a healthy choice. You can make water more exciting by providing slices of fruit to add to the glass – lemons, strawberries, oranges and even apples add just a hint of flavor!
When you are planning the party, you might shift some of the emphasis from the food to other fun activities.
- Children love to move – dancing, active games, and other activities get everyone moving. If you join in the fun you are setting a great example for the children! It is recommended that children be active at least 60 minutes most days and adults 30 minutes.
- Plan some quiet activities. Crafts and puzzles are sure to be crowd pleasers. Make sure you have all of your supplies and plenty of helpers. A treasure hunt can be a great group activity with non-food prizes awarded at the end.
Here are a couple of healthy, delicious, simple recipes that you could have the children help make.
1 cup low fat milk
1/2 cup apple juice
1 6oz container low fat plain yogurt
1 medium banana
1 cup frozen strawberries
Add all ingredients to a blender or food
processor. Cover and blend on high
speed until smooth (about 30 seconds).
Serve immediately. Serves 2.
1 whole wheat tortilla
1 Tablespoon peanut butter
1 medium banana
1 teaspoon maple syrup
Spread Peanut butter on tortilla.
Drizzle syrup on peanut butter. Roll banana up in the tortillas.
Cut into 4 equal pieces.
Author: Marilyn Rabe, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Franklin County. Rabe.firstname.lastname@example.org
Reviewed by: Lisa Barlage, Extension Educator, Family and Consumer Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, Ross County/Ohio Valley EERA
Create Healthy, Active Celebrations http://www.fns.usda.gov/eatsmartplayhardhealthylifestyle/quickandeasy/celebrations.pdf