I love sugar. In fact, I think I could live on sugar alone. I am particularly fond of artificial sugar found in sweet treats, such as Twizzlers, Jelly Bellys, Sour Patch Kids and Hot Tamales. I am a considerably healthy individual and I know that sugar is not good for me, but I just can’t help myself. I try to rationalize it in my mind. I don’t smoke, or drink or have any other particularly destructive habits, so is sugar really that bad for me?
My love of artificial sugar began as a little girl. One of my favorite traditions was stopping by a little store after church. If I had paid attention, and could recount several themes of the homily, my father would buy us Jube Gels candies. I looked forward to it all week and loved going in and buying a special candy with my dad.
I saw a story on Nightline this past week about fructose and how there is not a single function in our body that actually requires sugar. One third of all Americans are obese, in large part, due to artificial sugar. Our children are likely the first generation to have a shorter life span than their parents due in part to artificial sugar. It seems to be in everything, even “healthy” things like yogurt and juice.
So, how do I avoid passing my vice on to my children? Which is better, ordinary sugar or artificial sugar? We all know that natural sugars are the best, but what about regular sugar and artificial sweeteners?
I am really trying hard not to repeat the tradition of rewarding my children with sweets. Of course, there is a time and place for everything. I don’t want my children to be deprived of the joys of ice cream and cake in their childhood. However, we are trying to make some positive changes with regard to sugar. These days our rewards are a trip to the park, zoo, or a play date. We don’t always serve dessert, and if we do, it is typically fresh fruit. We try to drink a lot of water and tea instead of juice or soda. Also, when I really can’t avoid my cravings, I try to eat them when the kids are not around.
Are you struggling with limiting your children’s sugar intake? What strategies you are implementing?
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