As parents, it’s natural to feel frustrated when our kids put up tantrums and create a scene. We often give in to their demands and resort to treating them with candy or sweets as a quick fix solution. But what we don’t realise is that this may be doing more harm than good.
Research shows that 66.11 percent of Indian children had ‘abnormal levels of sugar’ in their body as per the 2015 pan-India survey, and the numbers have only increased since then. We need to understand the harmful effects of sugar on children, and the list of unhealthy Indian sweets that we should be avoiding. It’s time to unveil the sweet reality and learn how to protect our children from the detrimental effects of sugar consumption.
The sugar trap: Why we rely on sweets to combat sadness
It’s a common scenario in many households: your child is feeling down or upset, and as parents, we want to make them feel better. So what do we do? We reach for the sweet treats. It’s almost become ingrained in our culture that sugary snacks are the go-to solution for comforting our children. But have you ever stopped to think about why we rely on sweets to combat sadness?
One reason could be that sweets have become synonymous with happiness. From a young age, we are conditioned to associate sugary treats with positive emotions. Look at the ads on our screens. Whether it’s a reward for good behaviour or a way to celebrate special occasions, sweets have become intertwined with our notion of happiness. We think that by giving our children a sugary treat, we are instantly bringing joy into their lives.
However, this reliance on sweets to combat sadness can lead to a dangerous cycle. When children learn that indulging in unhealthy treats is a quick fix for their negative emotions, they start to develop a habit of seeking comfort in sugar. This sets them up for a lifetime of unhealthy eating habits and can have detrimental effects on their overall health and well-being.
The ill effects of sweets on health and wellness
Over the past couple of decades, there has been a significant shift in lifestyle, and unfortunately, it has led to an alarming increase in obesity and blood sugar levels among children. This has resulted in a dual epidemic of diabetes and obesity, which the World Health Organization has described as an “exploding nightmare”. As parents, it’s crucial for us to understand the serious health complications that can arise from these conditions and consider whether we want our children to suffer from them.
Adults with diabetes face a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Do we really want our children to face these same challenges at such a young age? Prime Minister Narendra Modi once expressed his shock at the rising cases of diabetes in children, stating that “diseases that would earlier occur in old age only are now catching up with children.”
The worst sweets to avoid – List of unhealthy Indian sweets
When it comes to the worst sweets to avoid for our kids, there are a few culprits that stand out.
First on the list are hard sweets. Not only can they increase the risk of cavities and lead to tooth decay, but they can also pose a choking hazard. It’s best to steer clear of these sticky treats.
Next up are chewy toffees and jelly-based sweets. These sweets are the worst for teeth as they stick to the teeth long after they have been swallowed. The longer they linger, the more damage they can do.
Iced cakes, certain biscuits, and doughnuts are also on the list of worst sweets to avoid. While they may be tempting, these treats are low in nutrients and high in sugar and saturated fat. If eaten regularly, they can contribute to weight gain and make a baby overweight.
Deep-fried mithais soaked in sugar syrup are another no-no. These sweets are high in fat and sugar and offer very little nutrients. It’s best to find healthier treats for kids that will satisfy their sweet cravings without the negative effects on their health.
Lastly, sugary and flavoured breakfast cereals can be a culprit. While they can fit into a healthy diet, they should be avoided if they are already sweetened. Look for healthier options that are low in sugar and high in fibre.
Remember, there are plenty of healthy treats for kids that can satisfy their sweet cravings without the harmful effects. It’s important to be mindful of the sweets we choose for our children and to find alternatives that promote their health and well-being.
Alternatives to satisfy sweet cravings without harm
Are you looking for healthier alternatives to satisfy your kids’ sweet cravings? Look no further! There are plenty of delicious and nutritious options that can keep your little ones happy and healthy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
– Replace white sugar with cane sugar or regular jaggery. These natural sweeteners have a lower glycemic index and are less processed than white sugar.
– Make fresh fruit juices at home without adding any sugar, or at most, a teaspoon of cane sugar if needed. This way, your kids can enjoy the natural sweetness of fruits without the added sugars found in store-bought juices.
– Limit sugary treats to once a week or month. By reducing the frequency of indulgence, you can help your kids develop healthier eating habits and reduce their overall sugar intake.
– Sweeten smoothies with ripe yelakki bananas and dates. These fruits provide natural sweetness and are packed with vitamins and minerals.
– Avoid giving your kids breakfast cereals, jams, and chocolate spreads on breads. These are often loaded with added sugars. Instead, opt for healthier options like whole-grain toast with nut butter or fresh fruit slices.
– Use honey on a limited basis and never heat it or use it in cooking. While honey is a natural sweetener, it is still high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
– Make traditional Indian sweets like payasam/kheer/sweet pongal once a week, preferably with jaggery instead of white sugar. Jaggery is a healthier alternative that retains some of the nutrients present in sugarcane.
– Stock up on homemade laddoos that you can control the use of healthy ingredients. You can make laddoos using nutritious ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruits to create a guilt-free treat for your kids.
By incorporating these healthy treats for kids into your family’s diet, you can satisfy their sweet cravings without compromising their health.
Nothing sweet about sweets, but being mindful about your child’s sugar intake can go a long way. By opting for healthy treats for kids and limiting their consumption of sugary snacks, you can help protect them from the harmful effects of sugar on their health and well-being. Remember, moderation is key, and finding a balance between indulgence and nourishment is crucial.
If you want to ensure that your child’s sugar levels are fine and learn more about managing their sugar intake, book an appointment with our experienced paediatrician in Prabha Devi, and take the right step towards ensuring your child’s health and well-being.