Greening up the Kids - Sugar Free

As a mum, I am always looking for ways and opportunities to find 'goodness' in my children's food. In fact, it is my holy quest for them on a daily basis. How can I encourage them to interact with their food in positive ways? How can I avoid the sugar trap? Sugar is in so many foods, and offered too liberally by well meaning others. It can be difficult to supervise, but not impossible. I believe Sugar to be the most destructive component in our diets, and this does not exclude children.

In the same way that sugar affects our energy, mood and concentration as adults, it's effects on children are far more magnified.

Sugar has no nutrient content. No minerals. Vitamins. No wellness to offer.
Please do not be fooled thinking that you don't add sugar to their food, just read the labels of the snacks, biscuits, cereals, yoghurt, and chips in the pantry! It is in everything. Barbecue sauce is almost 50% sugar - kids love it, and it's no wonder why!

My advice, is to be realistic (I am a mum too) but whenever possible look for another, holistic, healthy, vital alternative, and give your self and your children time to tune their tastes to a sugarless diet. It is a simple equation: The more sugar you eat, the more sugar you want/crave. The less you eat, the less you want/crave. It really truly is that simple! Believe me.

Do not rely on loads of fruit as an alternative. Fruit contains a sugar called fructose. Once fructose enters the blood stream it is converted into glucose - which the body recognises as sugar. Simple. However, I do believe fruit to be a healthy natural source of nutrients, fibre, and minerals. It is a balancing act.

Some of the ways I advise introducing greens and herbs to children is to:

~ Grow them, and tend to them with your children. Invite their curiosity and nurture it. Talk about the plants, their shapes, flowers, they way they smell and taste. Kids love that.

~ Secondly, ask them to help you pick them. Quiz them on which plant/herb is which. It can be a fun game. They learn that plants can be different, and they can draw on their memory.

~ When preparing the produce in, sacrifice a few pieces, give them a bowl or cutting board to experiment with their own food preparation. The end result will usually be gross, watery, and inedible, but they totally dig it.

~ Sit down with them and take interest in what they have made, bring some extra out and sit down with them. Eat with them. Eat merrily. Children need positive food messages, and sometimes a hundred times before they commit, but it will happen. 

~ Even if they try a little bit of coriander, chives or lettuce - that is awesome! You are imprinting their taste receptors and sensitising them to a bright future of food adventure, adding variety, nutrients and flavour.

The key is to enjoy it with them. Regularly. Make it happy. Be joyful. It is far more addictive and giving than any mindless lolly. Introducing a respect for these green foods provides your children with powerful antioxidants, immune boosting vitamins and minerals, cleansing nutrients, and great fibre also. Go for it!