Just saw this article on a friends facebook wall and can definitely attest to a lot of it. We've always tried to limit our sugar intake but two weeks ago, out of necessity, we cut out added sugar almost completely with the exception of taking Sam and Simone to an old candy shop in downtown Jeffersonville. The following day was terrible. There were temper tantrums, crying fests, total breakdowns over the smallest things and we realized that our poor kids, especially Sam, were going through sugar withdraw.
It was so sad to watch. It really helped us to be understanding towards them when we realized what was going on. Before cutting sugar out of our diet, we thought our kids were normal. They seemed happy enough with normal kid issues, but after being completely free of added sugar we're once again amazed at the difference a good diet can have. Our kids have been so much more compliant, happier, more creative, much less picky about food (Sam actually ate and liked mushrooms and mango) and more. The foods that are naturally sweet are much more appealing and appreciated by him and Simone. The cravings that we all struggled with in the afternoons have diminished and especially Sam, who is the super picky eater, has a healthier appetite.
It's very hard, more so in the beginning, but it's been well worth the battle to give up sugar because the benefits far outweigh the temporarily satisfaction of popping added sugar into your mouth. Feeding a craving that will never end and in fact, will only grow, is just not worth it anymore.
I am shocked at how much sugar affects kids. Well, adults too, as a matter of fact. Its crazy. Vienna similarly acts up when she has sugar--more emotional, disobedient, tantrums, etc. At first I kind of thought it was just the process of going out...being too stimulated by new surroundings, etc. Which I'm sure plays some sort of factor, but when sugar is involved it is crazy. She doesn't get it at home (normally) and the comparison of that little girl at home eating good food, and that little girl having a treat when we go out is startling. You are so right about it not being worth it. Not just for her, but for me either...it's not just that moment of enjoyment, it's days process of recovery afterwards. But with that said...it sure is hard to say no.... :-/
ReplyDelete