Ditch the sugar, watch your kids thrive

I've become quite the anti-sugar nut. I don't want any part of sugar and find myself closely examining every food label I come across. The lower the sugar, the happier I get. Sugar-free? Even better.

It's been fairly easy for me to wean myself off sugar. Cutting it from my kids' diets is more of a challenge. They want it, crave it, beg for it. Slow and steady is my plan for them. In time, I hope to have them choosing fresh fruit for snacks, instead of Chips Ahoy cookies.

Christina Sbarro over at ParentDish wrote on September 15 about some sugary new research which makes me more convinced my kids are better off without the refined white stuff.

According to Kathleen DesMaisons, author of Little Sugar Addicts, America is headed for a sugar sensitivity epidemic. And our kids are paying the price. It seems over-sugaring our kids can lead to depression, anxiety, obesity, diabetes, and attention and concentration deficits. It all stems from a pre-existing intolerance for refined sugar products that kicks in during childhood. Families with a history of alcoholism, obesity, diabetes, or depression are more likely to be sugar sensitive and are at greater risk for sugar addiction.

Why all the hoopla now? Because since 1970, the average American has increased consumption of corn syrup by 40 times. We are also taking in 300 more calories per day and more fast food and soda than ever before.

If your child displays intense mood swings, tantrums, or any form of depression, cut the sugar. Hey, do it anyway, even if your child is happy as can be. Consider it an ounce of prevention for a lifetime of problems.