Minimizing Added Sugar, 20 Months

20 months

minimizing

ADDED SUGAR It’s true that our children are born with a sweet tooth. Focusing on naturally sweet foods, rather than those with added sugar, is a great way to help shape our children’s preference for whole, fresh foods for years to come.

Nutritious foods that naturally contain sugar include fruits, some vegetables, and some dairy products. Added sugars can be found in the obvious desserts and sugary beverages, but also in less obvious foods including flavored yogurts, breakfast cereals and waffles, and even condiments like spaghetti sauce and ketchup.

This tip is from our Happy Mama Mentor Janel, RD, CBS and mom to Zachary, Lydia & Josie Also available to chat at: happyfamilyorganics/chat

IDEAS TO HELP

Research shows diets with fewer added sugars are better for our health, so here are some ideas to help you focus on healthful foods for your little one while aiming to limit added sugars:

Offer mostly whole foods such as fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins without much processing.

Prepare most meals and snacks at home so that you know what your child’s food contains.

Be mindful of "kidfriendly" foods, which

Avoid sugary drinks, such as sugar-added fruit beverages, sodas, and iced teas. Additionally, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only 4 ounces of 100% fruit juice per day.

can still contain too much added sugar.

Be a food label decoder.

Look for these added-

sugar ingredients: sugar, honey, agave, fructose, dextrose, corn syrup, molasses, and more.