Helping your child limit added sugars and develop healthier eating habits is essential for their health. Excessive sugar intake is linked to obesity, dental problems, and chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. As a family, you can make a big impact by making small changes

• Be a role model: Children learn by observing their parents, so modeling healthy eating habits yourself is important. By choosing balanced meals, avoiding sugar sweetened drinks, and opting for natural sweetness from fruits, your child is more likely to follow your lead. Sitting down together for meals and making healthy choices as a family reinforces these behaviors.
• Make healthy alternatives fun. Instead of denying treats, offer healthier options that can be equally enjoyable. Creative, colorful fruit salads or homemade frozen fruit popsicles can help children see healthy foods as exciting and delicious.
• Limiting sugar sweetened beverages is another important step. These are a major source of added sugars. Offer alternatives like water, milk, or herbal teas, and infuse water with fruits for a natural sweetness. Encourage regular water intake to keep your child hydrated.
• Involve your child in the process by taking them grocery shopping and letting them choose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Allowing them to help prepare meals teaches them how to make healthier food choices while making the experience enjoyable.
• Read labels to identify added sugars in processed foods. Many snacks, sauces, and other items contain added sugars that may not be obvious. By teaching your child to read labels, you can encourage them to choose foods in their natural state.
• Positive reinforcement helps motivate your child to make healthier choices. When they opt for nutritious snacks like fruit over sugary treats, offer praise or small rewards. This encourages them to continue making healthy decisions.
• Establishing a routine where sugary treats are offered in moderation and healthier snacks are readily available helps build healthy habits. Over time, your child will come to enjoy these healthier options and be more inclined to choose them consistently.
• Reinvent your child’s favorite sweets by making healthier versions at home. For example, make dark chocolate covered strawberries or apples with peanut butter and date caramel. This allows your child to enjoy sweetness without the added sugars found in store-bought snacks.
• Teach moderation, not deprivation. Instead of cutting out all sugary foods, help your child enjoy treats in controlled amounts, like a small scoop of ice cream on weekends or homemade, healthier desserts.
• Be patient. Changing eating habits takes time, and children may resist at first. Continue offering healthier options and support their progress. Over time, they will appreciate the benefits of eating less sugar, which will positively impact their energy, mood, and overall health.

By implementing these strategies, you can help your child develop a healthier relationship with food, limit added sugar intake and establish lasting habits that promote their well-being.

About Food for Salud

Food for Salud is a multi-faceted initiative launched at Nicklaus Children’s in 2022 that uses the power of food and nutrition to promote the wellbeing of South Florida children and families. There are many benefits to eating well, from disease prevention to overall health and wellness. Food for Salud supports access to nutritious food and brings healthy eating tips and recipes to kids in local schools and to families at various community events throughout the year.