Ways to Reduce your Kids Sugar Intake

As a mom you’re always trying to do what’s best for your kids. And you hear about 1,000 theories on what’s good to do and what’s better and then what is going to ruin your children. One thing that everyone seems pretty sure of is that kids today get a lot of sugar. Like a ton. Both of my kids, like me, have a major sweet tooth. So what can you do in this crazy world where your kid is going to see enticing sugary sweets on every corner? Here are some ideas:

Find alternatives to sugary drinks. My kids always want sweet flavorful drinks. But everything seems to be packed with sugar. Lately when they want something more than just water I reach for Welch’s 100% Juice with Coconut Water. It has the same great taste as normal 100% juice, but with the benefits of coconut water and 30% less sugar in it. It has no sugar added, and has 2 servings of fruit in every glass. Basically it’s unicorn juice and every mom’s dream. It comes in two delicious flavors (I have been drinking a lot of it too): white grape mango and tropical berry grape.

Have specific dessert time.
When kids are allowed to have sweets at any time, obviously that’s what they are likely to choose to eat. And then they are likely to overindulge. If you can get your kids used to the idea of only eating sweets at specific times, that’s what they are going to get used to and think is the norm. Having specific times for desserts (a little one after dinner, make an afternoon snack) can set the tone for eating sweets in moderation.

Plan meals and snacks in advance. I don’t know about you guys, but I’m way more likely to grab sweets for either myself or the kids when I’m a mess and just need to figure out what to feed us at that very moment. Making a weekly dinner menu and a daily meal/snack menu really helps cut back on how often you reach for something sugary.

Cook more at home.
This best way to control the ingredients that go into the food you and your family eats is simply to make it yourself. Make versions of your kids favorite snacks with less or no sugar. Make dinners and lunches at home and adjust recipes to have less sugar in them so that you don’t make less than desirable choices when eating out!

Have you tried the new Welch’s 100% Juice with Coconut Water? I’d love to hear whether you have and which one you like, or think you would like, better: white grape mango or tropical berry grape! Check them both out to learn more and let me know!