We know we don’t celebrate Memorial Day weekend here in Australia, but we still love a celebration and making the most of the warm weather we have left.

But, don’t stress about those barbeque snacks and hot dogs that we all know will be on hand at an Aussie barbie. With a few simple tricks up your sleeve, a little planning and preparation will have your family sailing through any celebration as healthily and nutritiously as possible!

Let’s start with mindset…

First of all, don’t freak! A long weekend is a great opportunity to organise fun activities for your family, socialise with friends and create precious, long-lasting memories. I’m all for a little fun and indulgence, there’s no such thing as perfect and I promise, there is no need to find yourself googling quick slim detoxes come Tuesday morning.

Know that if a few treats pass your lips, or your kids end up lusting after the colourful cupcakes at a friends barbeque, it’s okay. If you decide to indulge in something a little unhealthy, enjoy it and then move on. For the little ones, try placing the focus on fun activities rather than enforcing hard and fast rules on what they can and can’t eat… trust me, the latter is a sure way to foster junk food obsession! And you may be surprised when given a little freedom, your kids might even pass up on some the sugary sweets!

The activities…

Why have I mentioned this before talking about food? Fun activities are a great way to remove the focus from food, providing active, quality family time and enjoyment for both adults and kids. Whether you’re escaping the city for the weekend or staying in town, plan some activities that involve getting the whole family moving – water sports, beach adventures, outdoor sports and even craft are all great options. The key here is preparation. It’ll also help to hear the words, “Mum, I’m bored!” a lot less.

The menu…

Mark my words, with a few simple swaps, there are always wholesome options to unhealthy snacks that may circulate at a barbeque.

Starters and sides… fried potato chips? Try our sweet potato wedges, delicious with a natural sweetness, they are a perfect swap.  White bread move on… I love my Herbed Flatbread Chips, made from wholegrains and flavoured with natural herbs and spices, these are a great option for the dip platter. On that note, my Vegan Beetroot Hummus not only looks colourful and vibrant on any grazing table, but you get some veg into your child’s day. Pink hummus? I think that’s one thing we can certainly get our heads around this weekend! If you’re wanting the ‘wow’ factor when entertaining your guests but have little time to prep, then my fabulous Rainbow Salad is the perfect salad for you. Filled with beetroot, carrots, cabbage, pomegranate and more – it’s a fabulous antioxidant boost for everyone.

The mains…

My Beef and Veggie Meatballs are gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free, plus, it’s one of my most popular recipes! Meatballs are a fantastic way to get children to eat vegetables they might normally refuse. These meatballs contain carrot, zucchini, onion and an apple for added sweetness. Children often enjoy sweet sauces with their meat dishes, so rather than adding processed ones, try serving with Wholesome Child’s Homemade Tomato Sauce.

Teriyaki Chicken in Wraps – Chicken Teriyaki is a firm favourite amongst children and adults alike. Most teriyaki sauces are filled with empty sugars and are loaded with sodium. But, this healthy version tastes delicious, obtaining its flavour from a combination of raw honey mixed with tamari. Little ones can help in the kitchen by preparing the ingredients for the sauce and mixing them together. This is sure to be a winner! My recipe is both gluten-free and dairy-free too.

Lamb koftas – Our lamb koftas are a family favourite and jam packed with protein and veggies. They’re also dairy, gluten and nut-free! The mix of spices in this recipe, combined with the sweet flavour of the medjool dates really makes this special. Delicious served with our Tzatziki or Tomato Sauce recipes.

Salmon and Millet Rissoles – Gluten-free, nut-free and dairy-free, this recipe is a delicious and nutrient-packed family meal. High in protein, omega-3 and fibre, they are a brilliant and versatile way to enjoy salmon – in a burger bun, in a wrap or with a salad!

The treats…

Sweets are a traditional part of celebration, but as I mentioned earlier there is always a wholesome option! My nutritious favourites are Chocolate Quinoa Crackles and my Tahini Carrot and Date Bliss Balls. My kids are always asking for these two treats and what’s even better is that they can both be made in advance. As a busy mum, anything that can be prepped when I’ve got the chance, and ready to go when needed is a lifesaver. If you’re in the mood to spend time in the kitchen with your kids baking up a storm, then look no further, my Almond Sponge Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting will disappear in a flash, it tastes so good, hard to believe it doesn’t contain any refined flours or refined sugar!

Celebrating using nutritious and healthy sweet options brings peace of mind that the family can indulge over, without any hidden nasties, additives or preservatives.

And a quick note on the drinks…

Sun and activity are a normal part of this weekend, so don’t forget to keep your kids hydrated by offering water over sugar-filled soft drinks. And for the big kids? Drink responsibly and make fun, refreshing non-alcoholic beverages like seltzer spiked with fresh lime and berries. Yum!

See? It’s not so scary after all. These simple ideas will have you completely ready for a healthy and fun-filled celebration. Enjoy!