When you first quit sugar, it’s fear of the unknown that shakes us. Will I be able to cope with cravings? Cook everything from scratch? Get my family on board?
This week’s question for the I Quit Sugar: 8-Week Program Ambassadors is one of the most frequently asked…
I’ve been reducing my kids’ sugar intake – but what can I do when someone else is feeding the kids?
Whether it’s another well-meaning parent, grandparents or the in-laws, it can be challenging to manage these close relationships when it comes to feeding the kids!
Provide delicious low-sugar snacks.
The idea of “sugar-free” can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the lifestyle.
Providing tasty low-sugar snacks, like Sweet Potato Brownies, fruit or cheese, takes the stress off everyone. It’s also great way to demonstrate that low-sugar eating can be delicious!
Lead by example.
My husband (who once gave the kids rice crackers topped with rice malt syrup for lunch…!) has now seen me pack so many lunches, he finds it much easier to follow suit when it’s his turn.
Elise’s husband has also started making his own signature low-fuss meals for the kids: easy ham and salad rolls for lunch, or tuna pasta for dinner.
Have a chat.
Having a gentle, non-judgemental chat about why you’re making these changes for your kids may help them to see your perspective. I’ve found it useful to frame this in a behavioural context – explaining that my boys get grumpy if they go overboard on sugar (a great incentive for any babysitter!).
Teach the kids to make their own choices.
As my kids become more familiar with “everyday” and “sometimes” foods, they’re better at making choices about how much “sometimes” food they want to eat, especially at social occasions.
Jenny says that she doesn’t have to worry when her hubby is looking after their little girl Katie, as she is the one who keeps him in line when it comes to sugary foods!
Let it go.
At the end of the day, we can’t control everything that our kids eat while in the care of other people.
But you can rest easy knowing that these occasions are contextualised within the broader, nourishing diet you are providing them at home. Help them to build positive eating habits and they will develop their own healthy habits.
What questions would you like to ask our Ambassadors?
0 comments :
Post a Comment