7 Things Parents Can Do To Prevent Their Kids From Eating Too Much Sugar

Preventing sugar consumption in children It is no secret that children love sweets and other sugary foods. But, as gratifying as they are, sugary foods are not good for health, especially for kids who are in their developmental years and need a nutritional boost for their overall health. Many times, parents struggle to dissuade their children from eating sweets. Here are seven tips for them, on how they can reduce or prevent their kids from consuming too much sugar. Scroll down.Model healthy eating habits Parents set the tone for healthy eating. Limit your own sugar intake, and your child will be more likely to follow suit. Eat nutritious meals and snacks together as a family.Read labels, choose wisely Check food labels for added sugars, hidden under names like 'high-fructose corn syrup', honey, or maple syrup. Opt for unsweetened products, whole foods, and snacks.Limit sugary drinks Sugary drinks like soda, juice, and sports drinks are major sources of excessive sugar. Encourage the consumption of water, milk, or 100 per cent fruit juice (diluted with water).Plan healthy snacks Offer your child some nutritious snacks like fresh fruits and veggies, nuts and seeds, whole-grain crackers with cheese or peanut butter, homemade energy balls made with oats, nuts, and dried fruits, etc.Set boundaries It is important for parents to establish rules for sugary treats. Limit sugary foods to special occasions or weekends. Set a daily sugar limit, and avoid using sugary treats as rewards or for comfort.Educate your child Teach your child about the effects of excessive sugar consumption (cavities, energy crashes). Teach them how to read food labels and find healthy alternatives to sugary snacks. It is important to involve them in the meal planning and grocery shopping process.Additional things to do Parents can make healthy swaps, like giving their children yogurt instead of ice cream. They may even bake homemade treats using natural sweeteners like honey and maple syrup. It is crucial to avoid storing sugary snacks at home.