The American Heart Association recommends that sugar intake
for children is limited to 3 teaspoons (12 grams) a day.
A 12-ounce soda contains up to 10 teaspoons or 40g of added
sugar, shakes and sweetened coffee drinks even more. Large amounts of added
sugar can also be hidden in foods such as bread, canned soups and vegetables,
frozen dinners, and fast food.
In fact, about 75% of packaged food in the U.S. contains
added sugar.
Here are 4 ways to cut down sugar in your kid's diet:
- Don’t ban sweets entirely. Having a no sweets rule is an
invitation for cravings and overindulging when given the chance.
- Give recipes a makeover. Many recipes taste just as good
with less sugar. Try different mild spices to jazz up food.
- Avoid sugary drinks. Instead, try adding a splash of fruit
juice to sparkling water or blending whole milk with a banana or berries for a
delicious smoothie.
- Create your own popsicles and frozen treats. Freeze 100%
fruit juice in an ice-cube tray with plastic spoons as popsicle handles. Or
make frozen fruit kabobs using pineapple chunks, bananas, grapes, and berries.
Smoothies made with milk, soy protein and fruit and freeze in reusable popsicle
molds are really yummy.
There are lots of ways to cut down on the amount of sugar
your little “sweetie” consumes. Think of and research
creative ways to incorporate more natural fruit in their diet and learn ways to
prepare food that isn’t bland, but isn’t full of added sugar either.
And no need to give
up sugar treats completely, just make them the occasional “treat” like they
were meant to be and everyone will enjoy them oh so much more.
Would you like to see some healthy vitamin choices for children?
They have no added artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives.
Just super nutrition for your little SuperHero.
Find them here:
Children's Nutrition
#healthykids
#cutdownonthesugar #healthyeating #tipsforhealtheireating #youtobehealthy
Comments