7 Steps to Less Sugar!

Angelle Batten, M.A., H.H.C. at www.nourishyourkids.com provides these practical tips for reducing your family's intake of sugar:

In our Favorite Read this month, Little Sugar Addicts, author Dr. Kathleen DesMaisons shares her 7 step solution to a child's sugar addiction. We agree that taking these steps will help your child (or you) break an addiction to sugar. Remember, one step at a time and before you know it you have a healthier, happier child!

One: Eat breakfast with protein; and do it within the first hour of waking, suggests DesMaisons, to beat a drop in blood sugar.

Two: Make connections between food and mood. Never reward a child with food—especially sweets.

Three: Change snacks and drinks. Children under the age of 18 should eat every three hours to prevent a drop in blood sugar. In addition to good, well-balanced meals, your child should get several high-protein snacks throughout the day.

Four: Eat protein lunches. Foods like cottage cheese, poultry and meats, eggs, and nuts are all essentials.

Five: Shift to whole grain food. Cut any white flour breads and pastas from your diet.

Six: Take out the sugar. ("Notice that taking out sugar is not step one. It is step six," writes DesMaisons.)

Seven: Take care of life. Relax, have fun, and spend time with your family.