Brain-Boosting Holiday Recipes Your Kids Will Love
The holiday season, while magical, can be particularly challenging for parents of children who struggle with focus, emotional regulation, sensory processing, or socializing. The impact of changes in routine, late nights, and the abundance of sugary, unhealthy foods can put extra strain on a child’s brain, making it harder for them to stay regulated and calm. However, with thoughtful planning and the right tools, you can reduce the impact these stressors have on your child and help them navigate the season smoothly.
Brain-Healthy Holiday Treats
As the holiday season approaches and our calendars fill up with festivities, it's essential to maintain a sense of balance in our diet. By focusing on incorporating healthy, high-fiber carbohydrates, lean proteins, and healthy fats into our meals and snacks, we can ensure we are nourishing our bodies with the essential macronutrients and micronutrients needed to support our immune systems and energy levels. This balanced approach not only helps regulate blood sugar levels, but also keeps our moods stable and energy levels steady throughout the busy holiday season.
BANANA & COCONUT SNOWMAN
A fun holiday treat that kids will love!
Have a few extra bananas around? Cut each banana into slices. Use a pastry brush and lightly coat the tops with nonfat or low-fat plain, Greek yogurt (a great source of protein). Sprinkle them with coconut for snow. You can stick some yogurt on the sides to help the rounds stick together. Add some chocolate chips for eyes and buttons and pop a berry on top for the hat. I use small pieces of dried cranberry/cherries or mangoes for the nose. Use some toothpicks or pretzel sticks for arms and there you go!
HOLIDAY BARK
Easy treat that can be adjusted based on the holiday!
- Take Low-Fat Plain Greek yogurt, spread out over parchment paper on a cookie sheet.
- Add whatever fun additives you enjoy! (Fruit + sugar-free chocolate chips, pumpkin purée with pumpkin spice, crushed peppermint, etc.)
PEPPERMINT CHOCOLATE ENERGY BALLS
These energy balls are an excellent option for lunches, snacks on the go, or even a cookie swap. They are packed with nutrition and if you’d like, you can also add a protein powder of your choice to increase the protein content. If you choose to do this, it is recommended to slightly increase the quantity of nut butter and/or add a splash of a dairy-free milk alternative.
The combination of dates, oats, nut butter and dark chocolate creates a nutrient-rich snack that supports brain health and overall wellness. Dates are rich in B vitamins that support energy levels, various antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, as well as key minerals and fiber to help with satiety. Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants as well as a key compound called phenylethylamine that has been shown to boost overall mood and improve cognitive function.
Nut butters contain beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that have been shown to support cognitive function, memory and mood. Oats are rich in B vitamins, minerals, and fiber that benefits gut health and offers sustained energy as a complex carbohydrate source. Coating each energy ball in peppermint also offers additional benefits as studies show mint may enhance memory and concentration and reduce inflammation.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dried pitted dates
- 2/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter of your choice
- 1 1⁄2 ounces dark chocolate or Lily’s no sugar added chocolate
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 4 Yum Earth candy canes
Directions
First, process dates, oats, nut butter, chocolate and salt in a food processor until well blended. Divide the mixture evenly into 16 balls, about 2 tablespoons each.
Next, break candy canes into large pieces and place into the food processor. Process until finely chopped, about 1 minute. Transfer to a medium bowl and roll the balls into the candy cane pieces until evenly coated.
Tips:
- Those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should choose oats labeled “gluten free.”
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 7 days.
HEALTHY HOLIDAY TOAST
Using the bread of your choice, you can transform plain toast into fun holiday shapes! Use a spread such as nut butter or mashed avocado as the base, then get creative with decorations. Cookie cutters make it easy to create candy canes, snowmen, ornaments, or trees using chopped fruit, veggies, shredded coconut, or chocolate chips.
This snack provides complex carbohydrates for sustained energy and fiber for digestive health. When combined with healthy fats like nut butter, avocado, or coconut butter, it becomes a nutrient-rich, balanced, and filling holiday treat.
Ideas:
- Gingerbread Man: Peanut butter + diced strawberries (mouth), chocolate chips (eyes/buttons)
- Candy Cane: Coconut butter + diced strawberries
- Ornament: Mashed avocado + assorted veggies, cucumber piece for the top
- Christmas Tree: Mashed avocado + pomegranate “ornaments”
PEANUT BUTTER REINDEERS
- Slice celery stalks into thirds
- Fill with peanut or nut butter of choice
- Add dye-free candied eyeballs* or mini chocolate chips
- Use pretzels for antlers
- Finish with a raspberry nose
To make homemade candied eyeballs: place a small round dollop of icing on parchment paper, top with a mini chocolate chip, and chill until firm.
This snack pairs protein and healthy fats from the nut butter with the fiber-rich carbohydrates in celery, creating balanced energy and steady blood sugar. Raspberries add antioxidants, and chocolate offers just a touch of sweetness.
Treats To purchase
Running out of time this holiday season? Here are a few Brain Balance–friendly treats you can grab on the go:
- Skout’s Organic Kids Snack Bars (Pumpkin Pie)
- That’s It! Spooky Fruit Bites
- Yum Earth Organic Halloween Candies
- Ghosts Peanut Butter White Chocolate (0 added sugar)
- Yum Earth Candy Cane Pops
Help Your Child Thrive Through the Holidays and Beyond
The holidays don’t have to be stressful or filled with meltdowns for families with children who struggle with sensory, emotional, or social challenges. With a little proactive planning, a few balanced nutrition strategies, and realistic expectations, your child can feel more grounded and your family can enjoy a calmer, more connected holiday season.
But if you’re noticing that your child struggles more than their peers with mood and emotional regulation, focus and attention, learning, or social confidence, holiday stress may shine a brighter light on challenges that are present year-round.
This holiday season is the perfect time to consider the Brain Balance Program.
Brain Balance helps strengthen the brain connections that support emotional regulation, attention, executive functioning, and learning—so kids can move into the new year with more confidence, fewer struggles, and a stronger foundation for success.
Give your child the gift of a stronger start to the new year. Contact us today to schedule an assessment. You can also view the research and results of the program on the website
