It’s natural for mothers to worry about their children’s health and monitor their diet, which significantly impacts their physical and mental well-being. However, it’s also their children’s right to enjoy sweets 😄. So, how can we balance this? 👇
Let’s start with the fact that children can be very stubborn. If we deprive them of something, they’ll crave it more, and their mental health might suffer. So, let’s be smart about it. We can give them their favorite sweets in moderation, alongside nutritious food, until they start to reject sweets on their own. We can also offer healthy snacks like boiled corn, yogurt with fruit, or a piece of ice cream with a fruit salad.
Of course, this is in addition to focusing on their main meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and ensuring they’re balanced with essential nutrients like vitamins from vegetables, whole grains, and proteins from meat and chicken. Breakfast is particularly crucial, as it sets them up for the day.
Two important things to keep in mind: 👇
🟣 It’s best not to completely deprive children of something they’re used to eating daily, especially in the early stages.
🟣 Avoid commenting on their weight if it’s slightly higher than their peers, as they need to feel loved and accepted regardless of their weight.
Most importantly, children learn from what they see at home, so parents need to model healthy eating habits themselves.
Dr. Ahmed Tantawi, what tips do you have for parents who want to reduce their children’s sugar intake? Share with us!
