Happy Thanksgiving! For kids, this holiday is an exciting opportunity to practice gratitude, spend time with family, and try new foods. So, to get your family started on a nutritious yet festive holiday, all of us at Ocean Pediatrics would like to share our favorite, pediatrician and parent-approved Thanksgiving snacks for kids, including sides, desserts, and healthy Thanksgiving treats that our families enjoy this time of year!
So, we’ve put together a list of fun recipes to test out with your little ones before, after, or even during the holiday! Whether you’re worried about gorging on decadently buttered potatoes or overly sugary pies, we hope these healthy Thanksgiving foods for kids help you plan ahead to avoid uncomfy tummy aches and pesky sugar crashes. Read on to discover a few recipes we’re thankful for…
Sweet Potato Snack Cup
Parents know that sweet potato puree is an excellent choice for growing babies transitioning to solids. But have you thought about the endless possibilities of upgrading this classic to a healthy Thanksgiving snack for kids (and adults too!). Of course, you don’t have to wait for the big day to eat this delicious side. Get started by adding cooked and mashed sweet potato with healthy oil (we love coconut) to a ramekin with a sprinkle of brown sugar and pecans on top – toast the top in the oven and serve warm!
Perfect Pumpkin Pie Smoothie
Instead of letting the pumpkin pie cravings get out of hand, start the holiday off early with this sweet and smooth, but most importantly, healthy, Thanksgiving treat! Choose your child’s favorite unsweetened yogurt and add it to a blender along with pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie mix), frozen or fresh bananas, a dash of maple syrup, a sprinkle of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice, and regular or almond milk. Or, leave it deconstructed, add some granola, and make it a yogurt bowl!
Fun & Festive Charcuterie Board
Take your charcuterie skills and put them to the test with a fun and festive snack for your little one! Arrange some of their favorite foods in the shape of a turkey, pumpkin, or cornucopia on a plate or board. Think colorful apples and dried fruits, bell peppers and broccoli, or maybe sliced meats and cheeses. You can get creative by using a broccoli or celery stalk for your pumpkin’s top! Or, make the turkey’s body a bowl of their favorite dips like tzatziki, hummus, or nut butter. If you’re feeling extra artistic, you can even give the turkey a cute little face with scraps of cut fruits or veggies!
Bite-Sized Caramel Apple Pops
Make a fall favorite more healthy and kid-friendly by making caramel apples bite-sized! Not unlike a lollipop or cake pop, this Thanksgiving dessert for kids simply requires swapping the cake or candy for a thick slice or chunk of apple before skewering on a stick. But wait! Instead of dipping it in caramel right away, we suggest slathering it in nut butter to add protein and slow down the blood sugar spike. If you’re feeling extra fancy, you can top with mini dark chocolate chips. Parent pro tip: freeze briefly before serving to avoid a sticky mess!
Reduced-Sugar Pumpkin Juice
Instead of filling up on plain OJ or apple juice, try this festive treat where you can control the sugar instead! Take fresh pumpkin puree and simmer on medium heat with small amounts of brown sugar, apple juice or apple cider, and your favorite pumpkin pie spices. Bring to a low boil then turn the heat down to simmer for around 30 minutes to let the brown sugar dissolve and the flavors incorporate. Take it off the heat, let it cool, then strain. Keep in the fridge for around 3 days to sip on it over ice during your holiday!
As Orange County’s trusted pediatric group, we are here to help you and your family find balance, joy, and wellness this holiday season. For more healthy parenting tips, visit our blog The Tide! Or, to get tailored health and nutrition advice for your family, schedule an appointment with us today. We are grateful for the opportunity to assist you! Until then, from all of us at Ocean Pediatrics, Happy Thanksgiving! We wish you warm hearts, full bellies, and lots and lots to be thankful for.
