Sugar is a crystalline carbohydrate, and according to Dr. William Sears, the intake of 75 grams of sugar, which is equal to the amount of sugar present in a 12 oz. soda, can suppress your child's immune system by dropping his white blood cells' ability to fight bacteria. Sugar also causes tooth decay and is overall an unwanted ingredient for your child's optimal health. However, it's hard to avoid or resist, and learning how to curb your kid's sugar cravings is a good way to start. Consult your pediatrician if your child is overweight and consumes excessive amounts of sugar as this may lead to diabetes.
Step 1
Give your kid a healthy breakfast every day that may include oatmeal, fruit and nuts. According to the website Kids Health, eating breakfast makes a big difference in children's health and eating habits, prompting them to make overall healthier choices in what they eat. It also makes kids more active, which oxygenates the blood and gives their bodies a sense of well being that is less inclined to seek sweets for emotional comfort.
Step 2
Avoid large time gaps between meals to eliminate long stretches when hunger may lead your kid to crave sweets. According to the article "Curb Sugar Cravings," written by Diana Walker for the website Cravings Coach, craving sugar can indicate a lack of nutrients. Walker recommends including broccoli, grapes, fruit, nuts, kale and spinach to introduce more chromium, carbon, phosphorus, sulphur and tryptophan into your child's diet to help curb sugar cravings.
Step 3
Enroll your kid in a physical activity that will keep her mind and body occupied and healthy.
Step 4
Allow your kid to eat some sweets in moderation so that it doesn't become forbidden to eat sugar. You can make healthy sweet snacks together, such as fruit-juice popsicles and whole-wheat muffins with dry fruit and honey, the focus being to reduce the amount of sugar intake by replacing it with healthier options.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask your child's dentist to explain to her the benefits of avoiding sugar in regard to the health of her teeth. Children are more likely to make better choices if they are taken into consideration and they understand the reasoning behind certain advice. You can do the same with her pediatrician, and you can learn together about the benefits of eating healthy.
Things You'll Need
- Vegetables
- Fruit
- Nuts
- Cheese
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