The festive season is often a time when many of us, including our children, indulge a little too much. So if you’re looking to balance out all of those sugary treats, check out these fun and healthy food ideas for the whole family. With so much beautiful fresh produce in abundance at this time of year, it’s easy to eat well while still enjoying a few treats. Here are our top picks…

Beautiful brekkies

• It’s hard to go past a delicious fruit platter for brekkie. Slice up a rainbow plate of colourful fruit such as watermelon, ripe stone fruit such as mango, peaches and nectarines, and luscious berries and arrange on a plate. Serve with natural yoghurt and sprinkle with cinnamon on the side for a fab brekkie everyone will love.
• Buckwheat Pancakes are a real family favourite and are easy to whip up. Serve with lots of fresh sliced fruit, some natural yoghurt and a drizzle of maple syrup.

• Eggs make a fantastic and substantial brekkie that will keep everyone going until lunchtime. Try poached eggs with sautéed spinach, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon, or soft-boiled eggs with sourdough or steamed asparagus for dipping.
• French Toast with berries and maple syrup is a combo everyone loves, but my version is a little more wholesome with some pumpkin puree for an extra kick of vitamins and fibre.

Luscious lunches

• Children love mini-sized portions as they are easy to hold and eat. We love lamb cutlets grilled in an orange and soy marinade, Beef and Veggie Meatballs, roasted turkey with all the sides or meat kebabs. Make one meat dish and puree a portion for babies or cut it into small pieces for toddlers. High-protein meals will curb sugar cravings and help keep kids fuller for longer.
• Fresh seafood is always a big hit in summer. For adults, serve up a big platter of beautiful fresh prawns and oysters with wedges of lemon and lime, and a small serve of organic aioli or mayonnaise. Alternatively, drizzle some olive oil and lemon juice over a whole fresh fish and bake in the oven. Top with an olive tapenade and serve. For kids, try simple grilled fish or homemade fish nuggets with Sweet Potato Wedges and a side of Homemade Tomato Sauce.

• Include lots of fresh, healthy veggie-laden sides with your festive lunch, such as fresh veggie sticks (cucumber, carrot and celery) with healthy dips like hummus, Tzatziki, avocado guacamole or grilled veggies and halloumi skewers, or fresh green salads bursting with nutritious and indulgent goodies, such as strawberries, toasted almonds, feta, figs, and pomegranate. Encourage your children to choose their favourite food items from all the dishes on offer to create their own mezze platters.

Divine desserts                  

• The good old Aussie pav is always a big hit at Christmas. Pile your children’s plates high with fresh berries and substitute cream for natural yoghurt or crème fraiche for a healthier version.
• Fruit crumble is another crowd-pleaser. Make a healthy topping with a mix of oats, shredded coconut and coconut oil and serve warm with a little sorbet.
• If you’re feeling a little creative, try these Gingerbread Ice Blocks and have your kids decorate them! (this recipes is available in our Festive Faves recipe bundle)

Beautiful baked goods

• The festive season is a great time for baking with your children. Try whipping up some Vegan Gingerbread Biscuits (this recipe available in our Festive Faves recipe bundle), Chocolate Quinoa Crackles or Chocolate Almond Scones to give as gifts, or serve when their friends pop around.

For a curated bundle of the best Wholesome Child festive recipes, check out our Festive Faves recipe bundle.