How to Eliminate Sugar from Kids' Diets

Sugar has become a mainstay in the U.S. diet, including the diet of children. Refined sugar does not offer any health benefits and can lead to issues with insulin, blood sugar, obesity and hyperactive behavior. The hyperactive behavior is most troubling in children. It's best to eliminate sugar from kids' diets as much as possible, but the key to success in this endeavor is to do it gradually.

Instructions

1. Teach your kids the reasons why sugar is unhealthy. The depth and length of the discussion will depend on the age of the child. Kids may understand more than you think that they can, and they enjoy learning. Explain that eliminating sugar will lead to feeling great and possibly fewer visits to the dentist

2. Remove all liquids that contain sugar from your home. This includes soda and fruit juice. Water and milk are the only beverages that children should consume. Fruit is acceptable, but fruit juice is not. Fruit contains fiber that leads to a feeling of fullness. Fruit juice does not. Removing the sugary beverages from the home is one way to help eliminate sugar from kids' diets

3. Reduce other sugar consumption slowly. Making a drastic change may incite a revolt from children. Gradually reduce the amounts of candy and processed snacks a little each day. Replace them with sugar-free versions of the food or with fresh fruits

4. Change the menu. Instead of sugary cereals, make oatmeal with berries or pancakes with berries. Add a banana to the menu. Rather than serving processed, sugary snacks, provide fresh grapes and nuts.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant a vegetable garden with children to get them excited about healthy food.

References

• University of California, San Francisco: Sugar is a Poison, Says a UCSF Obesity Expert
• Drgreene.com: Sugar and Children's Diet