How To Stop Sugar Craving In Young Children

The ill effects of sugar have been realized by many parents and they would not like the apple of their eyes to suffer in future life. Too much of sugar leads to tooth decay, weight gain or obesity, unbalanced hormones, fatigue, diabetes, and a short lifespan. Most children are genetically programmed to like sweet tastes; we as parents can definitely build healthy food habits by stopping the craving for sugar in our young children.

Here are some tips that actually work to stop sugar craving in children:

• Most children like the sweet taste, so it would be great to replace a candy with fruit; fruits contain natural sugar that is better than the synthetic sugar found in soda, candy and other processed food items. Your child would be satisfied if you offer fruit as a dessert or snack.

• Do not restrict the child of sweets right away, but follow the rule of moderation. It is true that absence makes the heart grow fonder, so too much restriction would tempt the child to eat more sweets when given a free access.   


• Many children ask for candy when they are bored; suggest to them to go to play. This would keep the kids busy and active and the thought of sugary snacks and candy will fade away from their mind.


• Avoid saying “No” when the child asks for a sweet; instead suggest that they can have it at a future snack, birthday party or meal. This would instill the understanding in the child that they can eat sweets once in a while and not excessively.


• A study shows that the intake of sugar has increased by 20% in young children; sodas and juice drinks are the main culprits. It is best to instead give them fruit drinks, milk or yummy smoothies that are nutritious and sweet.

•  It is significant to know that some effects of sugar craving are due to lack of certain nutrients; it is best to curb this craving with a nourishing and complete diet that is rich in vitamins like chromium, magnesium, manganese and Zinc. It is also recommended that you give a multivitamin to fill up the gaps in the child’s diet.


• “Out of sight out of mind”, is saying that applies rightly to curbing sugar cravings; it is the parent’s responsibility to make sure they keep nutritious snacks around at home and avoid snacks that contain a lot of sugar. Apples and fresh fruits kept at home are any day better than doughnuts, cakes and pastries that contain refined sugar. It would be best to display veggies and fruits with nutritious herb dips in between meals as snacks. 

Last, but important never give sweet undue attention; neither it as a reward nor get upset if your child eats it in a friend’s house. All this would make for healthy parenting to curb sugar cravings.