Obesity Discussion Forums

[Chrisydj]

I've been trying to find a healthier sugar for my kids other than white sugar that can be used in say koolaid none of us like splenda i'm ok with stevia but it is kinda expensive. The kids wont use the sugar subsitutes. Someone suggested raw sugar like sugar cane might be healthier than the processed white sugar. I just dont think it is fair of me to complete cute sugar out of their diets just because I'm over weight.

[Obesity Discussion]

Originally Posted by Chrisydj

I've been trying to find a healthier sugar for my kids other than white sugar that can be used in say koolaid none of us like splenda i'm ok with stevia but it is kinda expensive. The kids wont use the sugar subsitutes. Someone suggested raw sugar like sugar cane might be healthier than the processed white sugar. I just dont think it is fair of me to complete cute sugar out of their diets just because I'm over weight.

You don't have to cut it out completely but you can limit what you give them. The sooner you can have your kids eating healthier the better....getting sugar out of their diet now will only help them down the road later on in life.

[healthy_drinkr]

Your best best for sweeteners would be the sugars squeezed from raw, fresh fruits. These sugars burn slower than processed sugar - regulating your blood sugar, and insulin response.

You are actually showing more compassion for your kids by cutting off their sugar, today, right now.

Otherwise, they'll develop an addiction for sweets, and will end up not just being overweight, but all the other possible complications...diabetes, heart disease, blindness, etc.

Besides, if you didn't already know, sugar is actually what feeds cancer cells.

In addition to slow-burning sugar fuel from fruits and veggies, they also contain powerful anti-oxidants or otherwise known as anti-aging natural compounds. Great stuff!

[Chrisydj]

we already dont keep candy or cookies in the house i figure is better not to have the temptation, but they like a little sugar in their oatmeal and of course their koolaid when they are allowed to have it, which isnt very often as it is their snacks consist of fruits like oranges apples and bananas and trail mixes and my daughter seems to love v8 which i find odd for a kid

[healthy_drinkr]

Right on Chrisydj!

I love oatmeal myself, so I've tried a lot of things over the years. In order of health preference, here is what I use for sweetener:

1. kefir (basically, it's cultured probiotics) - it does have sugar, but if your blood sugar is under control, the good stuff trumps the bad stuff
2. fruits like raisins, bananas, blueberries, strawberries, etc. whatever your kids like
3. stevia
4. organic brown sugar (I stay away from the white stuff)

Speaking of V8, they just came out with their juice drinks, pomegranate juice. They have several varieties, so be careful and look at their labels. Make sure you avoid anything that contains high fructose corn syrup, or any of the artificial sweeteners.

[Chrisydj]

she doesnt drink the fruity v8 she likes the original v8 the veggie juice...i bought it for me but i think she drinks more of it than i do lol i'm not complaining i'm happy that my kids are embracing a healthier lifestyle...well to a point they are lol they are teens

[Erin]

Maybe instead of giving them drinks like koolaid, give them pure fruit juices instead? They have naturally occuring sugars, which contain more nutrients than straight white sugar. Go one step further and buy yourself a juicer and make your own. You can also tried things like dried fruits instead of fruit snacks.