How to Reduce Children's Sugar Intake

Over the years, the amount of sugar children eat has increased dramatically. Everything is sweetened with sugar, from cereal to yogurt. Here are some steps to help reduce its intake.

Instructions

1. Offer children fruits and vegetables in lieu of cookies and ice cream. They contain natural sugars that satisfy a sweet tooth in much smaller quantities.

2. Buy all natural ice cream pops that are made of fruit without any sugar added. You can also buy sugar-free ice cream if they absolutely have to have it.

3. Allow reasonable amounts of sweets so that children do not binge when they do get some at a friend's house or when out on their own. Everything is okay when consumed in moderation.

4. Bake foods with only half the required sugar. You can also substitute Splenda for the sugar.

5. Use unsweetened cereal and add fresh or dried fruits to it for added sweetness.

6. Snack on dehydrated or fresh fruits. Leave some out on the table and when the children want a snack, it will be the first thing they have available to grab.

7. Practice what you preach. If you are going to expect the children to reduce their sugar intake, you will need to do so too.

Resources

• Find healthy snacks for children at the Yum Yum Snacks website.
• Find inexpensive sugar-free foods at the Harmony Healthy Foods website.