Low-Sugar Diets Kids Will Enjoy

Helping your child avoid getting a sweet tooth requires healthy snacks and recipes. Having a variety of satisfying low-sugar treats on hand can be a simple task. Fresh fruits and vegetables are ideal substitutes for foods high in sugar.

Veggie Tales

• It isn't necessarily true that children despise vegetables. When preparation and presentation are taken into consideration they can be very enjoyable. Some vegetables even have a natural amount of sweetness that can replace sugary fruits and snacks. For example, serving your child a platter of freshly cut carrots with dipping sauces adds sweetness without too much sugar. The key is to introduce vegetables early into a child's diet so that they develop a naturally acquired taste for them. Only after they are exposed to sugary snacks like candy and cake are they less likely to go for vegetables instead. Arranging vegetables in fun patterns on the plate or letting kids help prepare them will make them want to eat them more often.

Sugar-Free

• If your child is having a sugar craving there are alternatives that will still satisfy. Many brand name products provide sugar-free versions of their most popular items, made with natural sweeteners. Chances are if the child does not know sugar is not included, he may not miss it at all.

Fresh Fruits

• Fruit is a naturally sweet treat, and some fruits, like pineapple or banana, contain a higher amount of sugar. When trying to manage sugar in fruits it's best to think about portion size. The next time your child asks for a sweet treat, try giving her a few apple or orange slices. Teaching her about portion sizes will help her develop good habits early and provide her with more energy and a healthier body.