Digestion
February 5, 2012Kids’ parties and family/friendly gatherings are often synonymous with indulging in foods that are more often than not high in fat, often resulting in digestion woes and, down the road, possible health problems. Although festive occasions inherently call for tasty treats, you could also try to integrate some healthier options into your menu, which are easier to digest.
As an alternative to birthday cake with buttercream icing or a big bowl of ice cream with whipped cream and hot fudge, I recommend organizing a yogurt parfait bash – just as delicious and fun for everyone. Here’s what you’ll need to pull it off:
- Transparent plastic cups for the younger ones
- A few varieties of yogurt: vanilla, strawberry, peach, etc.
- Berries or fruit slices (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, pineapple, peaches, etc.)
- Dried fruits (cranberries, raisins, etc.)
- Nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, etc.)
- Maple flakes
- Semi-sweetened chocolate chips
- Granola cereal
- Serving spoons and individual spoons
When it’s time to open the bar, take a few minutes to teach the kids how to make a parfait. To avoid overeating and promote digestion, opt for small serving cups and spoons. The bigger the individual dish, the more your guests will want to serve themselves… especially when it’s so darn good! For more control, serve the sweeter ingredients yourself, like the chocolate chips and maple flakes. For an icy touch, freeze some grapes and give them to kids at the last minute.
Happy party!
