'Tis the time of year for holiday treats and an abundance of sugar.

And guess what? Our little ones are absolutely loving it.

However, as a parent, you might find yourself a bit overwhelmed by the constant sight of sweets, coupled with persistent requests for "More cookies!", "More candy!", and "More chocolate!"

Handling this surge in sugar and treats can be a challenge, leaving you uncertain about the best approach. Of course, you want your kids to relish the flavors and delights of the holiday season without any guilt or shame.

But concerns about their sugar intake may linger, and you might be unsure how to manage the sugar overload without making them feel restricted.

So, how do you navigate through these concerns and support your children in developing a healthy and positive relationship with all foods?

Is it possible for them to enjoy the holiday season without a side serving of diet culture?

If you've found yourself in this spot during the holiday season, take heart – there is a way through.

Navigating Your Child's Sweet Spot

I can assure you, the craving for sweets is a perfectly natural desire looking to be fulfilled.

Kids perceive the sweet taste as positive, and the so-called reward system is then activated in the brain, causing a pleasant feeling.

But here's the twist!

Instead of letting your kids dive into sugary treats during the holidays, why not offer them homemade delights made from dried fruit and a variety of spices?

This not only ensures they don't miss out on the holiday spirit, but it also introduces them to a world of rich and festive flavors.

These homemade treats can become a delightful alternative, allowing your kids to indulge in the joy of the holidays without the sugar overload.

And the best part? Each spice holds its unique health benefits for your child.

Let's explore how you can infuse the holiday spirit into your family's treats with the magic of spices.

Dive into a World of Spice Magic and Healthful Delights!

Explore our '12 Days of Spices' infographic now for a festive journey that adds flavor and well-being to your holiday season.

But that's not all!

I invite you to check out my Facebook page for delightful recipes featuring these 12 holiday spices over the next 12 days – a blend of flavor and family happiness.

It would truly bring me joy if you could follow me on Facebook, ensuring you don't miss any of the recipes shared.

As you embark on your holiday baking journey, let these spices not only flavor your creations but also bring centuries of healing wisdom and the warmth of festive traditions to your table.

All sorts of healthy spices combined in one: My Holiday-Spice Fruit Cake

Enjoy my Holiday-Spice Fruit Cake – it's not just tasty but also healthy for your family, with a light and luscious blend of warm spices for that festive sweetness.

The spices included in the fruitcake recipe all come with several health benefits - cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom and cloves - and therefore have the explained properties.

Ingredients

4 eggs*
4 Tbsp honey
1/8 cup butter
1 banana
1 1/3 cup ground almonds
2/4 cup coconut flour
2 Tsp cream of tartar
2 Tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tsp ground vanilla bean
2 Tsp ground cloves
2 Tsp ground nutmeg
2 Tsp cardamom
3/4 cup ground walnuts*
1/2 cup dried, dates, pitted
1/2 cup dried figs
1 apple

* Please check the recipe for ingredients and make sure there are no ingredients included to which you or a family member are allergic or known to be sensitive.

And that is how it is done

1. Preheat the oven to 320°F and grease a loaf pan (9 x 5 inches) with butter.
2. Beat the eggs in a mixer until fluffy, then stir in the honey and butter.
3. Peel the banana, mash with a fork and stir into the egg mixture.
4. Stir the almonds, coconut flour, cream of tartar and all spices into the mixture.
5. Roughly chop the walnuts, dates and figs (in a food processor if possible) and stir into the mixture.
6. Peel the apple, remove the core, cut into small cubes and stir into the mixture.
7. Knead everything well into a dough. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake in the oven for 1 hour. If the bread is getting too brown, cover it with a piece of parchment paper and continue baking until the hour is full.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD AND PRINT THE RECIPE

Again, we wish you a lovely Holiday! May all your days be filled with the abundance of health and the warmth of love throughout this holiday season and the coming year.

Yours in Health,

xx Bettina