For some kids, staying off the sweet stuff is not something they do because their parents banned birthday cake.
It’s something they actively choose to do on their own. But what does it mean to be a sugar-free kid? And how do they actually do it?
For long-term Sarah and IQS fan Leo (13) and IQS Ambassador Jenny’s daughter Katie (almost 5), living a low-sugar life is easy peasy, when you have a bit of know how!
First up? Learn, learn, learn!
When Leo decided to cut down on the sweet stuff, he made sure he knew as much as he could.
“I saw a lot of documentaries and programs about sugar and also started following Instagram accounts like mine,” he says. (Leo documents his sugar-free journey and cooking creations on his Instagram account _sugarsucks_).
One of Leo’s healthy creations.
He also made sure he knew where sneaky sugar would be lurking. “I had to get educated in what contains hidden sugars, so I can always go for the best option.”
Katie’s mum and IQS Ambassador Jenny has never sugar coated the information when talking to her little one.
“We talk about what our body’s need for fuel and she totally gets it,” she says. “I find her repeating the information back to me when she’s deciding what to eat!”
Then get busy in the kitchen.
Once a week, Katie takes the reigns at dinner time. “We call it Katie’s Kitchen and she is doing awesome!” says Jenny.
“She’s responsible for deciding what we eat, doing the shopping and making the meal (of course with some guidance from me). “It’s an incredible opportunity for conversations around why we choose to eat and cook the way we do.”
Katie with mum Jenny’s rainbow-inspired dinner.
Leo also loves to cook and has been doing so since he was two. Leo’s current obsession? Perfect poached eggs with everything!
Some of Leo’s latest sugar-free dishes.
Choose your own eats.
Katie loves creating her own morning smoothies (with a little help from mum).
“She makes sure it includes some type of vegetable (zucchini, avocado, pumpkin or spinach) and then a fruit (berries, banana, pear or apple),” says Jenny. “Occasionally other things get thrown in, like white beans for protein or turmeric!”
“She also insists on helping choose her lunch, which is mostly made from leftover dinner the night before.”
Katie’s snack time – homemade bread with cacao spread, Yum!
Listen to your body, not the haters.
Sometimes, people question Leo about his low-sugar life, especially at school. He has his answer all planned out: “I enjoy life more like this, I have more energy, I’m growing strong, and I don’t even crave or want sugar anymore. So I’m doing myself a favour in every way!”
Leo’s go-to lunch. homemade quiche!
Jenny always encourages Katie to make her own decisions about what she eats. “She’ll have a piece of cake at a party if she wants to, but she’ll usually have one bite and find it way too sweet,” she says.
“Part of this is teaching her to listen to her body and when it says she’s had enough.”
Live YOUR (sugar-free) life!
It can be really tough to go against the grain, especially as a young kid or teenager. Leo’s advice?
“Never let people change your thoughts,” he says. “Remember you are doing the right thing for you and living a happier life sugar-free.” We couldn’t have put it better ourselves!
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