Yikes! Your child’s diet may be a lot higher in sugar than you think! As our diets became more processed over the years, more sugar snuck into our food supply. For example, when the “low-fat” diet craze started in the ’80’s, food companies added more sugar to compensate for the flavor lost by removing fat. Now many parents unknowingly give their kids a high sugar diet. Here’s why your child’s sugar intake is a concern.
1. Obesity
Many research studies have shown that a diet high in sugar is linked to obesity (partly because a high sugar diet is usually high in calories). Researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital found that kids who frequently drink sugar-sweetened beverages (like soda) are significantly more likely to become overweight.
If that isn’t reason enough to worry, remember that kids who are overweight or obese are more likely to remain that way as adults. This sets them up for a lifetime of health and social issues like heart disease, diabetes, teasing, and being physically unfit.
2. Dental cavities
Lots of sugar means the sugar bugs lurking in your child’s mouth have a lot to eat! No one wants to see their child have a cavity filled.
3. Old habits die hard
As a parent, you want your child to lead a happy, healthy life. Set him up for success by subtly teaching him to prefer foods with less added sugar. Choose lower-sugar drinks and snacks so his taste buds get used to it – this is much easier than little Johnny trying to break a sugar habit as an adult.
4. Keep up with the “real food” trend
Slowly, the food industry is starting to catch on – this generation of parents and Millenials prefer minimally processed, “real” foods. More people are choosing meal prep services like Blue Apron to make healthy meals at home instead of relying on take-out food high in sugar, fat, and salt. Cafes are offering fresh bananas and apples as “grab-and-go” options as more consumers steer away from sugar-laden muffins and donuts.
Now that you’ve decided to cut back, remember that sugar is not always in an obvious form like soda or candy. Have you identified any of these “sugar traps”? If so, share them in the comments so other parents will know to avoid them!