Eat healthy during the holidays
By Marla Dishman Special to The Acorn

The biggest challenge we all face during the holidays is getting through them without too much stress.

When we’re overextending ourselves, rushing around shopping, engulfed in the details of entertaining, or spending time wrapping gifts or attending parties, we often put our usual routines on hold, and that includes taking the time to feed ourselves and our children properly.

All children can feel the highenergy overload that fills their homes; they will often become irritable or emotional during this time. One way to help the situation is to try to stick to many of your child’s regular routines. Structure and familiarity are comforting to a child. Having a regular mealtime routine will calm a child and help make the household less stressed.

Regardless of whether you are out late shopping or have a party to attend, you should attempt to feed your child before the event. That way, if the excitement of being at the mall or being in someone’s home with new toys comes up, at least your child already will have eaten.

Feeding your child at regular meal and at snack times also allows for his or her blood sugar to remain stable. It will help you avoid the unpleasantness of hypoglycemia.

When you have fed your child before attending a holiday party, you will also be less likely to be concerned that your child is too busy playing to eat anything or that he might indulge in sweets or less healthy party foods.

Relax, eat healthy and have a safe and healthy holiday season.

Marla Dishman is a registered dietitian who lives in Oak Park.