How to Tell Kids That Sugar Is Unhealthy

Sugar is often purported as unhealthy, although Professor Madeleine Sigman-Grant, a nutrition specialist at University of Nevada-Reno Cooperative Extension in Las Vegas, says that in moderation it can be part of a healthy diet. Kids may have no interest in hearing about the unhealthy side effects of too much sugar, especially since it tastes so good, but with a little preparation and humor you can help your kids learn to make healthy choices for themselves.

Instructions

    • 1

      Don't bring a bunch of sugar-laden foods in the house. One clear way to communicate what foods you feel are healthy and what ones are unhealthy is to leave high-sugar foods at the store. Let your actions speak for you, and instead choose sweet and healthy foods like plenty of fresh fruit and whole grain cereals or granola.

    • 2

      Resist the urge to lecture kids about how unhealthy sugar is and instead talk to them about how they feel when they eat large amounts of sugar so they can learn through experience. Talk about how to notice the urge to eat something sweet, how it feels to eat it and how it feels in their bellies and bodies a little later. Do their tongues hurt or their bellies feel full but they're still hungry? Do they feel excited or hyper, but then crash? Asking open-ended questions can help them come to their own answers so they can make healthy choices about how much sugar to eat.

    • 3

      Remain calm when sugar is an issue and assure kids they can have some another time. Complete restriction may undermine your efforts to share the unhealthy effects of too much sugar. Maryann Jacobsen, registered dietitian and author of Raise Healthy Eaters, suggests staying neutral when kids become exasperated about sugar, as kids who feel deprived of sweets may want them more than those who can have it sometimes. Take a deep breath, explain that now is not the time for sugar, let them know when they can have some later and follow through.

    • 4

      Share informative websites or handouts from reputable nutrition advocates that can communicate the message you want to share with your child. Sometimes kids will listen to others more than their parents. ChooseMyPlate.gov offers various tools to help people choose healthy foods, and sugar is not even on the food group list. Open the website and find out your child's favorite fruits or other healthy treats so you can make sure you have them in the house when the sweet tooth hits.

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