From Sugar Addiction In Children To Healthy Habits:
Obesity — Solving The Sugar Obsession at its Root Case
I actually think having a sweet tooth is probably fairly natural in kids — unfortunately they are bombarded with choices all the time. Sugar… You find it in almost every single of cereal and food, snack foods to beverages even your creamy deserts. Kid-targeted marketing strategies further contribute to the appeal of these high-sugar foods.
Some of the dangers that eating too much sugar entails for a child's health are;
Weight Gain:
High in calories and scant on nutrients, sugar sends us packing for the spare tire.
Dental problems :
Sugar is the number 1 reason for cavities and tooth decay in children.
We Can Lead to Problems:
Some evidence endorse, whilst ingesting sugar excessive meals can also reason hyperactivity and temper issues.
Longer-Term Health Risks:
A higher consumption of foods that contain a lot of sugar increases the risk to develop type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and leads one step by another subsequent complication on medical conditions over time.
Behaviors to Break Bad Habits :
Because lucky for you, some small changed can help your child in to having a health eating habit. Here’s how:
1. Lead by Example :
Making it Work:
Children do as we DO. Simply the best thing you can do is be a positive role model; if they see you eating fine and not falling prey to the sugar siren, so will they.
There are your staples protein-rich diet also which is the fruits, vegetables and whole grains through you meal. Choose water or milk instead of sugary drinks and keeping the sweets out.
2. Raise a Sugar Smart Kid
Why It Works:
We all know that knowledge is the fuel…well, plus power :) When kids understand why big sugar (even fruit!) will hurt them and/or be a calorie waste they might eat less.
Do it:
Explain to your kids in the most basic terms possible exactly what sugar does to their body. You might say something like: “When you eat a lot of sugar, it can hurt your teeth and make sleepy. Take care and eat healthy food, you will keep your body strong!
3. Make Healthy Alternatives Fun:
Why It Works:
When food is served in a fun and attractive way, children are always more inclined to eat healthy.
Do:
Incorporate a rainbow of colors into meals by arranging vibrant fruit salads on the plate and drink fresh or frozen fruits with smoothies whole grain crackers served yogurt based dip Save a slice or two of whole-grain bread to make “fruit kabobs” and where you can stick cute little “veggie faces.”
4.Reduce Sugar Snacks and Drinks :
Why It Works:
The less sugary foods that are available in your home, the less sugar your child will eat!
Try this:
Gradually reduce the amount of sugar-laden snacks and beverages you keep in your home. Switch out sweetened drinks and soft drink alternatives for water or milk, or dilute 100% fruit juice with p.erhapsful. Meal PreparationPrep meals for the upcoming week.Maintain Fresh Fruit:Also, keep fresh fruit & nuts easy to grabHave Healthy Snacks at School Pack low-fat yogurt in your lunch bag .
5. Encourage Balanced Meals :
Why It Works :
Eating balanced meals will help you to keep your blood sugar levels in check and as such the craving for that sugary treat is less.
The Fix:
A balanced meal with an emphasis on lean proteins and healthy fats, as well as fiber-rich carbohydrates for your kiddo at each and every single elementary school lunch (as well dinners too! Researchers found that consuming a healthier option like oatmeal with fruit and eggs may just signal to yourself or others how you want your lightstyle/current habit of eating.
6. Be honest about the process of meal prep :
Why It Works:
Children eat what they make
How:
Take your child to go shopping, plan meals and cook together Assist them in understanding food labels, to be able to choose foods that are low in added sugar.
7. Practical Success Goals and Time :
Why It Works:
Because behaviors are hard to change and it is important that the process takes patience.
You start doing it more gradually — and maybe that means eating dessert a little less often, from 3x to 2 x… or even zero. Even show gratitude for minor steps forward, and allow your child to take time in making adjustments.
8. Praise and Reward :
Why it works:
This can be a really good method of praising your child when he/she is on the right track.
Tip:
Praise your child — not with rewards, but simply by saying "I'm proud of you" when he chooses carrots and celery sticks instead of the candy bar to snack on at home or encouraging him to take one bite (if all else fails) of a new fruit or vegetable every day. Create a system of rewards: Rewards do not have to be food, either.
9. Be Mindful of Portion Sizes :
Why It Works:
Instead of eliminating the snacks completely you could just limit how much junk in total that you are stuffing into your face.
Check:
Provide small portions of treats, and help your child savor each bite. Without gorging on the same time and conserve their pleasure.
Conclusion :
In terms of overall long term health, sugar control in your child is really important. Behaviour modelling, stopping the reward of sugar and turning it into a positive sweet changes healthy eating for your children as part of their life.
Note: The objective is to balance the intake of sugar rather than cutting it completely from your diet.
Continue to fight, continue to love and be one breath above your child from the future they deserve!