Sweet Moderation

Not too much and not too little – moderation is somewhere in the middle. It has been proven that the best way to teach children about moderation is through example.

Teach children moderation in eating and drinking by introducing them to a variety of foods. Help them to understand about their bodies and how healthy choices make them feel good and strong.

Children learn best by having fun. Label candy, desserts, and sugary drinks as “special treats,” creating a fun aura of anticipation instead of turning them into – the forbidden fruit.

Candy

Having healthy rules about candy in place – sets children up for a lifetime of healthy eating. Don’t make candy taboo – just don’t eat it every day. Don’t keep it in the house and don’t reward with candy.

Decide what events or special times that candy should be allowed and plan ahead. Order candy from an online candy store – like SweetServices.com for your children’s birthday parties. Have fun and coordinate the colors and flavors of the candies to match your birthday party theme.

Or take advantage of the large variety bags they offer and fill a piñata – knowing that your child will not be eating the whole bag.

Desserts

According to Steven M Schwarz, MD, obesity is the most prevalent nutritional disorder among children and adolescents in the United States. The development of obesity has a combination of many contributing factors such as; metabolism, environment, genetics, lifestyle, and eating habits. Less than 10% of these cases are associated with hormonal or genetic causes. That’s the good news. You can make a difference. Look for creative ways and recipes to help your children enjoy fruits and healthier delights for dessert.

Don’t ban desserts – offer healthier choices and lead by example. Learning to eat sweets in moderation as a child will follow your loved ones into adulthood. And if you are leading by example the benefits are stacking up – but not on the scale.

Sugary Drinks

There are several reasons to teach children moderation when they are emptying bottles and cans of sugary drinks. These liquefied calories and sugars are also linked to child obesity. Including juices (even 100% juice has too many calories), PowerAde’s, Gatorade’s, and Kool-Aid.

Studies show that soda:

• Contains zero nutrients and is high in calories and sugar
• Direct link towards tooth decay
• Blocking nutrients from child’s diet
• Caffeine has adverse reactions on child’s brain

Sarah Krieger, RD, LD, MPH, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association states: “If children are maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, and are active, one soda is OK.”

Decide when and where your child will be allowed that one sugary drink and plan ahead on the drinks they will consume each day. Here are some healthier thirst quencher ideas from WebMD:

• Mix juices, Gatorade’s, and PowerAde’s with club soda (half-n-half) and cut the calories and sugar down. Kids will still love the flavor and the added bubbly effect.
• Flavored waters, 10 calorie juices with artificial sweeteners, and low-fat chocolate milk are some great choices to stock up on so kids can grab and go.
• Pitchers of ice water with sliced lemons, oranges, and strawberries can quench your thirst on a hot summers day. Experiment with your child’s favorite fruit – adding two or three at a time.

Children need moderation in all areas of their lives. Have fun! Play around with creative discipline and enjoy the sweet fruits of your labor.