Have you noticed your child’s innate preference for those foods? If you have, you are aware that the list includes a range of candies, soft drinks, desserts, and juices. And there’s one thing they all have in common: added sugar. Children are naturally attracted to sweet foods, according to science.
Excessive intake of added sugars can lead to unhealthy weight gain, obesity, and long-term health problems like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension, according to the study. Instilling healthy eating habits in children is difficult.
Knowing this, how can you ensure that your child receives the proper nutrition in order to lay a strong foundation?
Worry not! Here are 5 practical ways you can manage the sugar intake of your child:
Eat well as a family:
You are setting an example for your kids. Good eating habits are instilled in children by watching and imitating their parents. You can choose to fill your refrigerator with healthy food choices. Whole fruits are preferable to canned fruit juices because they contain fiber, which a packed juice lacks. Fruits rich in natural sugar, such as watermelon, banana, and apple, are good choices. They’ll be a hit with your kids! You can also use the fruits in creative ways, such as freezing them cut in an ice tray or making fruit popsicles with pureed fruit and milk. Snacking on fruits and yogurt salad is also a healthy idea.
Limit Biscuit/Cookie Consumption:
Instead of buying processed cookies, make healthy treats for your kids at home with whole wheat. Often read the labels on processed foods and keep an eye out for added sugar.
Carry snacks:
If you’re going on a trip with your child, bring along some of his or her favorite homemade snacks. Choose nutritious foods for your children, such as vegetable and cheese sandwiches, baked muffins, mixed nuts, or dates. Homemade nutritious meals can also be given a twist to make them more convenient to eat on the go. Make oregano-spiked cheese paratha rolls or uttapam.
Don’t Add Sugar to Milk
Sugar or sugar-laden health mixes should not be added to milk because they detract from its nutritional value. Choose a health drink that is enriched with essential nutrients for your child’s growth. Keep in mind to choose solutions that do not have any added sugar. Natural sugars such as jaggery, honey, and date paste may be used instead.
Sugar will be impossible to absolutely exclude from your child’s diet. It’s fine to have a sweet treat here and a birthday cake there.
Following these suggestions, on the other hand, will help you control sugar intake and make your child’s diet more healthy every day!
