Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, this time of year - with the longer nights, warmer days and summer holiday buzz in the air - tends to bring with it an abundance of gatherings. Many of which involve food. 
Enjoying food with friends and family is of course something to look forward to and treasure. But when you're parenting little people, it can also be a cause of some stress or anxiety. Will lunch be served at your little ones usual lunch hour? What will the options be? How can I stop my little on from living off juice boxes and marshmallows every weekend, without them realising I'm doing it?
Navigating these times can be tricky, but a few simple tips can help you enjoy the parties whilst still looking after your (and your little ones) health and wellbeing.

Feed little ones before you go

It may sound boring, but feeding your little one's before you go can make a party experience much smoother for everyone. Not only will you avoid hungry/hangry meltdowns on arrival, but if all they eat is marshmallows once you're there - at least you know they've had something decent beforehand.
It doesn't need to be a complicated meal, some toast with avocado and a few sprinkled seeds or scrambled eggs are simple, nutritious options that will sustain their energy levels while you're out.

Focus on Protein

Protein is really good at helping us, and our little ones, feel fuller for longer. It does this by helping to reduce your 'hunger hormones', and keeping your blood sugar levels more stable after a meal. It's good practice to include some protein rich foods at mealtimes anyway, and particularly during party season, to help avoid big bursts of hunger and snacking between meals.
So, what are some good sources of protein? Meat, chicken and fish are the most well-known, but eggs, nuts and seeds, legumes (i.e. chickpeas in hummus), and Greek yoghurt are also good sources. So, last nights' leftovers or a piece of wholegrain toast (with nut butter, for little ones old enough to manage it) and a bowl of Greek yoghurt is about as complex as it needs to be.

Take a snack box

This one might be a tad obvious, so it's really just a reminder that it's a great idea and you should do it! (Or keep doing it). 
Having a snack box of nutritious snacks in your handbag is second nature to many parents. But when holiday season hits and life gets extra busy, it can also be easy to forget (we know, it happens to us regularly). 
Making a simple snack box with a few nutritious options (think: fruit, veggie sticks, cheese & wholegrain crackers, etc.) means you're covered regardless of what happens once you're there. Lunch running late? No worries. Only super spicy meat & fancy salads you're little one won't eat? No worries. A huge dessert platter which your little one would like to consume single handedly? Also no worries - take them away for a quiet snack and chat, and by the time they come back they're hunger will have subsided and they'll most likely enjoy sweets more moderately. And if they don't, at least they've had some veggies too.