Tips for Cutting Down the Sugar in Your Child's Diet

We are constantly faced with the growing obesity problem in our children and though, most of us, as diligent parents are watching our children's fat intake, calories and even carbs. But, are we missing something, maybe the most important item of all? SUGAR! Sugar is the hidden evil. It is in everything and especially those items we think we are safe from. Kids foods are no better, they are drowned in sugar. Here is an example from my refrigerator as I write this. My son is 14 months old and thankfully doesn't really like juice, but I got some for him to try. I was fooled by the marketing on the package, "40% less sugar". Of course, the fine print below it says "...than 100% apple juice". So, what is the verdict? 6 ounces of fruit punch equals 13 grams of sugar. Not only is this causing the increasing weight problems in our children, it is put them at risk DAILY for juvenile diabetes.

Food is not our only enemy of couse, with schools rountinely cutting physical fitness and sporting activities in the midst of budgeting problems (don't even get me started about that decision, that is a whole different article), we have to work even harder to keep our kids healthy.

So, what do we do? Our children are becoming sugar addicts and if you don't believe me, cut your child's sugar for a couple of days and see how out of control they get. It is not simply a matter of saying no to junk food, their small bodies are dependent and feeding on the sugar in their foods.

I don't think we should take away their sweetness, I think we need to find a better way and yes, still curtail their sugar intake. Here are some tips on cutting down the sugar your children eat and following, some sources of natural sweetness we can use in our everyday cooking.

K-O Sugar:

Skip the juice. No matter what juice you buy there is just a ton of sugar in it. Encourage fresh fruits instead. Take the juice they love and buy the fruit, chop it up in a special way for them and before you know it they will love the easy snack change.

No More Junk Food. This will be a little harder in your house, but it has to happen. Not just for your children, but for your whole family. Chips are not only high in fat, calories and other heart harming ingredients, they are loaded with sugar!

Pick New Carbs. I would never tell you to throw out the bread and pasta, after all I am Italian, it would be a crime in my family. But, choose healthier ones. The ultimate goal is whole wheat. To get there without too much protest take baby steps. Buy whole grain white bread, I use Sara Lee. Buy Barilla Plus, it is a great new line from the Barilla company. It is a multi-grain pasta with other health benefits as well. You can choose from fiber, omega 3 and protein. They also have Barilla Plus in fun shapes for your kids.

Control Your Kitchen. You are the commandor of your ship and you need to control the kitchen. Don't take your children grocery shopping with you! You will end up with more things off of your list than you would ever choose yourself. You make the dinners, you pick the ingredients. They may complain for a few days, but in the long run it will be better. If it is not in the house, they will forget they ever wanted to eat it.

Train Your Family. You need to give them the tools to make smart choices while they are out in their days away from you too. If they take a lunch to school, let them make it in the morning and make sure they are making smart choices.

Natural Sweetners: These are natural sweetners that you can work into your cooking, baking and healthy, daily choices. And, remember everything in moderation.

Honey, Peanut Butter, Buttermilk, Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon, Dates, Dried Fruits, Maple Syrup, Molasses, Evaporated White Grape Juice and Mixed Fruit Juice Concentrate, just to name a few. Check out this web page to learn how to use them in your every day cooking and baking.

http://www.livrite.com/sweeten.htm

In our fight for the healthy of our children let's not forget about the silent killers that are changing the way our children's growing bodies function. We need to be vigilant parents to instill our children with the tools they need to stay healthy as adults and thus continuing the responsible eating for future generations!