Researchers from the Center for Economic and Social Research at the University of Southern California in the United States of America found that reducing sugar intake during pregnancy, and until the child reaches two years of age, can reduce the chance of developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes when he grows up. So how do we reduce consumption? Diabetes in a child?
The researchers used data from the UK Biobank, a database of medical history, genetics, lifestyle and other risk factors for disease, to study the impact of restricted access to sugar early in life on the health of adults who became pregnant in the UK before and after the end of legalization. Sugar in the time of World War II. The United Kingdom imposed restrictions on the distribution of sugar in 1942 as part of the food distribution program during the war. This program ended in 1953. The results of the study were published in the journal Science on October 31, and the website wrote about it. Eurek Alert.
If you think that your children eat too many sweets, fortunately it is not too late. Make the decision now and they will thank you later.
Here are these steps to limit your children’s sugar intake:
1- Start teaching them flavors early
Zara Stella, a nutritionist for the British newspaper The Independent, said in an interview with Ella Walker published on November 1, “It is important to introduce children to a variety of flavors – not just sweet tastes – during weaning, as the more children are exposed to less sweet flavors at a later time.” “Early, the more likely they are to accept it later in life.”
2- Replace ready-made sweets with homemade sweets
“If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and easy-to-prepare snack, energy balls are a great choice! Simply blend oats, dates, and a little cocoa powder in a blender or food processor, then shape the mixture into bite-sized balls,” says pharmacist Carolina Goncalves. Dates make this meal naturally sweet and rich in fiber, and the cocoa will give it a light chocolate flavour. You can also replace ready-made juices with home-made juices from the fruit.
3- Take your children on a shopping trip
Dr. James Golnick, a dentist, suggests that you go shopping with your kids, as involving them in choosing weekly purchases can make them more excited to try new things. “Try and buy different fruits and vegetables every week,” he says.
4- Avoid sweets as a reward for good behavior
“When rewarding children, try not to make the reward food-based, reward them with stickers, stationery, etc.,” says Dr. Gollnick. Dr. Golnick has worked as a dentist for 30 years, during which he witnessed the harm sugar has on the teeth. Based on that, he appealed to parents not to make sweets a reward for every achievement.
5- Know exactly what you are buying
Check the contents of the foods you prepare for your children, research the contents of the products you buy, and make sure they are healthy options.
6- Watch what goes in the cupboard
Create a healthy environment for your children, and make healthy alternatives accessible to them. “Make sure your cupboard and refrigerator are stocked with healthy options,” Peacock says. “If you limit the availability of sweets and sugary drinks at home, this makes it easier for your children to choose healthy alternatives and avoid sugary foods.”
8- Focus on finding balance
We should never stop or restrict ourselves from eating sweets with our children, but the important thing is to achieve a balance. “We shouldn’t ban our children from eating sweets or ban them forever,” says Peacock. “It’s all about balance. Eating a few sweets a week is fine as long as your children get enough exercise and sleep, and follow a healthy lifestyle in general.”