Am I Depriving my Child of Sugar?

“Don’t deprive your child of sugar, they’ll end up eating the whole cake.”

I’ve heard this sentence countless times throughout my motherhood! Our society gives excuses for literally everything, except a good mom being “good.”

Therefore, today I will explain the importance of having low sugar amounts in your child’s diet, and how to stand against these false norms.

To watch my full video, click on this Link.

 

Mirna Elsabbagh, Adult & Child Nutritionist - Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition

First of all, let’s clarify the following facts:

  • Too much sugar for children causes several diseases, like diabetes, obesity, inflammations, immunity, digestive system, blood pressure, and cardiac diseases

  • Too much sugar leads to picky eating in children. A baby’s taste buds are regulated from his/her birth until the age of 2 years, so if they overate sugar, they would refuse other low-sugar foods like fruits and vegetables.

Having said that, parents should be creating a proper foundation of their baby’s eating habits, by making sure they eat healthy, and minimizing their sugar intakes.

However, the society stands against moms in that matter, thinking they’re depriving their baby of what they love.

But NO, you’re not being a restrictive bad mom.

You might wonder, what if my child is at a birthday, will they stick around the cake? Well YES! Children love cake and that’s totally normal!

How to deal with that?

  • Talk with your child about the dangers of having too much sugar despite its sweetness. Don’t be firm or say No.

  • Give your child their desired needs of sugar, in small amounts, in a single form (only 1 cupcake, muffin, or piece of cake)

  • After the age of 2 years, you can slightly increase their sugar intake in moderate ways.

Remember that if your child is raised against society’s norms, that doesn’t make you the wrong party. If they criticize or judge you, LAUGH.

You’re a generous hero, and you should be proud and given credit to for supplying your child their healthiest lifestyle.

 

Mirna Elsabbagh, Adult & Child Nutritionist - Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition

To watch my full video, click on this Link.

 

I hope this was helpful!

Mirna Sabbagh, an adult and child dietitian, nutritionist, and lactation consultant. She also has several digital courses: Pregnancy Nutrition Course, breastfeeding course,  starting solids 6-12 months courseand also child nutrition for all children including picky eaters, that you can sign up for from the comfort of your home.

The courses are pre-recorded. As soon as you make the course purchase, you will receive a link to watch the course from your phone or laptop.

You can also e-mail Mirna for questions on info@mirnaelsabbagh.com

Mirna is no longer doing consultations. Her online courses and webinars cover 95% of parents common concerns.