Just one thing…

June 7, 2013 Nechoma Nutrition

I am often approached by parents who see that there is something not quite right at home and they want to do something different.  Their child is unsettled at best, hanging from the ceiling the rest of the time.  And while they are ready to make changes, they are overwhelmed and can’t take on too much at once.  Makes sense, there is enough to cope with just managing basics, add in a hyper kid and they are dizzy.  Then they are told that they need to rearrange life and it all seems like too much.

Next comes all the opinions, so many of them and often times they seem to contradict.  Go off this, go on that…is there anything that is a definite?

The answer is YES!  And that is good news because while it might mean some changes, it brings clarity and confidence and that is what children are looking for.  When a parent is confused about what is correct a child has a grand loophole and that is where the feeling of being unsettled comes in.  Parents need to be clear, choose what will be best and stay with it.  It is not easy, but the stability pays off.

So what is that one thing that will absolutely make a difference in every situation?

SUGAR.  Cut it out.

 

 

 

Sounds extreme, sugar is everywhere, should we stop eating?  But that’s exactly the problem, it IS everywhere and children are on a massive overdose, continually.  From my experience, even when you cut it out, it creeps in, somewhere.  So we need to be aware, be creative and find alternatives.

Things to watch out for:

Packaged foods.  Obviously chocolate spread is full of sugar, but look out for peanut butter, dips, ready-made fish balls, even cans of corn.  The list is endless, start reading labels when you shop, it is time consuming at first, but you will become quite a pro at sniffing out what will work and what is a no-no.

Drinks.  Fizzy drinks are one of the worst offenders, really quite destructive for small bodies (any bodies, but let’s have pity on the little ones).  Water is best, but diluted juice is way better than any of the chemical concoctions in brilliant colours.

Recognition.  Food is not the only way to reward a child (or ourselves) and we can find many options once we become aware.  There are all sorts of fun toys and gifts to buy for less than a packet of sweets, but we can also help children learn to save for something that will give them real value and usefulness.  A chart or marble jar gives immediate recognition for positive actions and can be used to earn a trip or a special item.

The Rambam explains that children need incentive and there is nothing wrong with that even if our aim is that they should eventually be self-motivated.  The prizes that the Rambam suggests are almonds and dates!

Occasions.  There are many celebrations where there will be junk and we can’t stop our children from participating.  Occasions are an important part of their growing up and we need to enjoy them.  But good food can be very enjoyable if we put the time in to prepare effectively and treats are far less damaging after a decent meal.  If we make a united effort to cut back on the rubbish that we put inside of ourselves and our kids they will have a better chance, don’t we owe them that?