Sugary treats for children more dangerous than you think
Tips on how to limit the sugar intake this Easter
Chocolate bunnies and candy-coated eggs, hot-cross buns and all sorts of cakes, there’s plenty of temptation during Easter.
But parents are warned to remain vigilant on the amount of sugar their children consume.
ALSO READ: How much sugar should your child have daily?
‘Easter eggs can be a fun treat for children, especially if combining them with a treasure hunt, which is tradition at this time of year.
‘But they are high in fat and sugar which, when consumed in large amounts, can cause grogginess, tiredness and a change in temperament,’ explains Dr Iqbal Karbanee, paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine.
Dr Karbanee says eating too much sugar can set the tone for unhealthy habits later in life.
‘In the long-term, too much sugar increases the risk of chronic diseases, such as obesity, which is complicated and can lead to Type 2 diabetes.
Both these lifestyle diseases are 100% preventable,’ says Karbanee.
Tips on how to limit the sugar intake this Easter:
• Start with a healthy breakfast everyday during the Easter weekend. Children must have breakfast before they start their day.
This meal should consist of a cereal, preferably high in fibre, as well as fruit and some long-acting carbohydrate. Parents should try to avoid sugary cereals. Oatmeal is a great source of soluble fibre.
• Pack a ‘snack box’ for your child for every day of the Easter weekend, and even for the duration of the school holidays.
The lunch box should contain snacks that are wholesome. Dried fruit, nuts, yoghurt, vegetable sticks like carrots and cucumber are great. Two slices of bread are usually enough.
• If you are taking a break and going on holiday with your children, whether during Easter or for the school holidays, try to limit meals eaten out and have lunch or dinner at home.
• Instead of a hunt for Easter eggs in the garden, you could do a treasure hunt for a variety of small and cost-effective toys, with only a small amount of treats.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.
For news straight to your phone invite us:
WhatsApp – 060 784 2695
Instagram – zululand_observer
