Eating Healthy At Social Events

Article At A Glance:

• Social Events (such as birthday parties and barbeques) can test our resolve to help our children eat in a way that helps heal them.
• With some forethought and preparation, your kids CAN enjoy parties while still maintaining healthy eating habits.

Birthday parties are a staple of the childhood experience. What kid doesn't love to hit the piñata, jump on the inflatable castle, and play games with their friends? But if your child has autism and you've committed to ensuring that he/ she is eating foods that help them maintain best optimal health, what can you do about the inevitable sugar-loaded foods lurking at such parties?

It's true that navigating social events can be a challenge, but you do not have to forego them completely. Here are some tips to help stick to healthy eating even at parties:

Communicate With The Host

I tend to reach out before the event and see what kinds of foods will be served. If it's a birthday party, cake and ice cream is almost inevitable, but you may be surprised to learn that other families serve healthy options as well. The only way to know is to ask.

Serve A Large Meal Beforehand

If the social gathering will in fact have foods that could be a temptation, I often serve a filling meal to my son in the hopes that he will be so full and satisfied that the junk foods will not be as appealing.

Provide “Safe Foods”

In cases where social events involve adults as well (such a family reunions or barbeques), I bring along safe alternatives to favorite foods that are tasty and healthy. For example, I'll bring grass-fed organic hot dogs from Trader Joe's to throw on the grill.

Committing to this lifestyle is certainly not easy, and when parties and other social gatherings come up, it's tempting to throw up your hands and say “just this one time won't hurt.” I challenge you, however, to stick with it. To take the time and energy to help your child eat better (even if not perfectly) through preparing healthier alternatives. Yes, there may be some people who think you're being too extreme, but you're not doing it for them: you're doing it to help your child reach his/ her full potential. And that's more than worth the extra effort.

*This website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by a healthcare professional.