5 Ways to Deal With Holiday Sugar: Solutions for a Guilt-Free Season
During the holidays, it’s natural for kids to want to enjoy more candy and treats than usual. It’s important to find ways for them to have a treat without feeling guilty. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to help your children practice moderation. Swap out high-sugar goodies with sweet alternatives like fruit to combat excessive cravings. Learn more about the effects of sugar and how you can choose healthier alternatives.
Understanding the Impact of Sugar on Health During the Holidays
The holidays are the perfect time to indulge in our favorite treats — many containing sugar. It’s hard to say no to the baked goods and delightful snacks associated with this time of the year, but overindulging comes at a price.
How Long Does a Sugar Rush Last in a Toddler?
Most parents are aware of the mood swings and behavior changes that come with excessive sugar intake. However, sugar also has adverse effects on a child’s overall health. Excessive sugar consumption can impact a toddler’s academic performance, learning and memory. High sugar intake also raises the chances of your child developing chronic illnesses later in life, such as obesity, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.
How long a sugar rush lasts depends on your child, but you can counter it by giving them water and nutritious food. While a sugar rush won’t last forever, the lingering health effects are cause for concern.
Finding the Right Balance
You want your children to eat healthily during the holidays and still enjoy their favorite sweets. Here are a few strategies for dealing with holiday celebrations and temptations:
- Fill up on healthy food: Before your child has sugary treats, have them fill up with a nutritious meal. Prepare a plate with fruit, vegetables and lean protein to ensure they get the nutrition they need for the day.
- Let them enjoy: You may choose a day to give your child freedom with their sweets. They may surprise you by exercising control. Even if they do overindulge and feel sick, that can be a lesson in self-regulation and portion control.
- Portion control: Limit the amount of candy your child can have daily. Only allow sweets at set times during the day, such as after a healthy mid-morning snack or lunch.
Holiday Parties and Healthy Choices: Alternatives to Traditional Sugary Snacks
Sugary snacks seem to be everywhere during the holidays. Here’s how you can make healthier options for your kids.
Crafting Festive Treats With Less Sugar
If you enjoy baking during the holidays, you can use some clever alternatives to sugar when creating Christmas goodies for toddlers and older kids:
- Coconut sugar: Instead of white or brown sugar, use coconut sugar. It tastes similar to brown sugar and has a low glycemic index score.
- Stevia: Replace artificial sweeteners with stevia, a natural, plant-based sweetener that has no calories. Stevia is much sweeter than sugar, so you only need a small amount.
- Maple syrup: Maple syrup is an excellent alternative to agave nectar. Agave is high in fructose, which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
What to Do With Candy
If your holiday stash builds up and you have more candy than you’re comfortable with your little one consuming, start by removing any candy that poses a risk, such as choking hazards or allergies. Next, sit with your child and create two piles of candy — one they like and others they don’t care for.
If they put almost everything in their favorite pile, controlling how much candy they can eat through portions is better. Telling them what they can and can’t have may only make the obsession linger and grow.
Navigating the Holiday Season: Tips for Parents to Reduce Children’s Sugar Intake
If you are worried about your child overindulging during the holidays, you can take a few steps to reduce the amount of sugar they consume.
Balancing Treats With Healthy Habits
Kids often learn by experience when it comes to eating candy. If your child feels sick, talk to them about it. Ask them why they think they feel ill, and explain how they can eat less sugar next time to prevent getting sick.
Instead of calling sweets “junk food” or “bad food,” call them by their names. When you give sweets negative labels, it only creates more allure and excitement around them.
The Role of Meal Planning and Preparation
The holidays are often a busy time, making preparing healthy meals challenging. If you know you’ll be short on time, Nurture Life’s meal delivery service can take meal prep off your hands. Consistent, nutritious meals will help your children fill up on all the proteins, veggies and whole grains they need for a balanced diet. We also prepare a flavorful and exciting variety of meals that make mealtime fun and help curb cravings.
Addressing Common Concerns and Questions
Most parents have concerns about sugar consumption for their kids. We have a list of FAQs and answers that can help ease your mind this festive season.
How Can I Limit My Sugar During the Holidays?
Kids will often sneak snacks if they feel like they are being deprived at home. Remove the power of sugar by incorporating it into meal times. For example, you can offer your child dessert or cookies during snack time or after dinner.
How Do You Deal With a Sugar Rush?
First, give your child water to help them hydrate. Water will help support the body in detoxing from the sugar. You should also consider electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium, which will help prevent dehydration and muscle cramps. Next, give your child wholesome foods such as leafy greens, cucumber, strawberries, nuts and seeds, or yogurt.
What Is the Best Way to Control Sugar?
Sugar can sneak into your child’s diet through drinks. Limit the amount of soda and fruit juice they drink, and make drinking water fun by adding pieces of fruit to it.
You should also read labels on packaged foods to check for added sugar, including terms like fructose, corn syrup and rice syrup. For example, some breakfast cereals are loaded with sugar. Swap out sugary cereals for eggs, fruit and yogurt.
What Is the Best Way to Deal With Sugar Cravings?
Limit the amount of sugary treats at home if your child struggles with frequent cravings. You can make homemade cookies and treats that include healthier alternatives to sugar.
The Impact of Sugar on Health: What Parents Need to Know This Holiday Season
Excessive sugar intake in young kids is a concern. While it is acceptable to have a treat from time to time, too much sugar can be problematic.
The Connection Between Sugar and Health
When children consume too much candy, it increases their risk of excessive weight gain, dental decay and nutritional inadequacy. If your child consistently eats foods high in sugar, they won’t get the nutrients they need from their diet to develop and grow. Excessive sugar intake can also put your child at risk of developing high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol and type 2 diabetes later in life.
Making Informed Choices With Nurture Life
When you choose Nurture Life, you can feed your children nutritious and well-balanced meals daily. We prepare our meals with the guidance of registered dietitians, ensuring each meal has veggies. Our meals are free from high fructose corn syrup and artificial flavors. We keep sugar content low so your child can enjoy the benefits of real, clean ingredients.
Order Delicious Kids Meals for the Holidays From Nurture Life
During the holidays, children naturally want to indulge in their favorite treats. While occasional sugar is fine, excessive intake can hurt your child’s health. Moderation is important — you can let your child enjoy their treats while monitoring their consumption. A Nurture Life, we make mealtime exciting and nutritious. Explore our healthy, kid-friendly meal options online and order yours today!
