Doug’s out of the Classroom “Sweet Tooth” Rules to Follow This Summer

Sweet Tooth Rules

Vacation wouldn’t be complete without those summer treats for the kids. It is important to let kids eat sweets. Research shows that restricting different foods compels a child to desire that food over others. Allowing children to have a small amount of sweets each day helps them develop a healthy relationship with food and a sense of balance.

SWEET TOOTH RULE #1 – Stock the home with a variety of healthy, sweet choices for the children.

This will allow them to experience the sweet taste in a variety of different foods and reap the health benefits. The key thing to look out for in foods that contain sugar is that all sugars are not created equally. Some foods contain high levels of sugar that can spike your blood glucose levels rapidly such as sugars found in candies, cookies, and chocolate bars. This can lead to an increased risk for heart disease and diabetes.

Related: Focus on Color

SWEET TOOTH RULE #2 – Get the kids active and burning calories

Getting your kids active not only helps them become physically fit, but also helps to build confidence and a stronger positive feeling about themselves and the world around them. Many foods are naturally sweet, without the potentially harmful consequences associated with high sugar content that contribute to weight gain and tooth decay. However, if you are at an amusement park and your child wants a funnel cake, cotton candy, or a snow cone as a treat, go for it and then pump up the activity that day to burn those calories!

Related: How Do You Get Your Kids Active?

SWEET TOOTH RULE #3 – Be a good role model for your child

“Do as I say AND as I do” should be your motto! Children behave in accordance to what they see. If they see you eating healthier versions of their favorite foods, then the likelihood is that they will eat them as well. This will form a lifestyle habit that will lead them on the path toward SUPER HEALTH!

Sometimes all that kids need is a hint of inspiration and they are able to get their creative juices flowing. You can help make food fun by encouraging the kids to play with their food. These delicious summer treats that you and the kids can make can come in the form of snacks, drinks, salads, and desserts.

Related: Being a Role Model

Top 11 Sweet Tooth Summer Foods For You & The Kids:

• Citrus fruits
• Banana
• Watermelon
• Berries
• Kettle corn
• Apples
• Sweet potatoes
• Popsicles
• Low-fat yogurt
• Honey
• Butternut squash

For more information on helping a child obtain overall SUPER HEALTH, please visit: www.douglashaddad.com.

Douglas Haddad is a full-time public school teacher in Connecticut and the author of parenting/child guidance book Save Your Kids…Now!  The Revolutionary Guide To Helping Youth Conquer Today’s Challenges and co-author of Top Ten Tips For Tip Top Shape:  Super Health Programs For All Professional Fields.

Helpful Articles

• Doug’s Weight Loss Plan Without the Sugar Cravings
• Alternative Sweets for Your Child During the Holidays
• Sugar Addiction
• Getting Ready for Summer Fun: Being GFCF & Other Healthy Ideas
• Fun Food Apps to Encourage Healthy Eating
• Focus on Color

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This post originally appeared on our May/June 2012 Magazine