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Chocolate bunnies in the Easter basket, yes or no? This question concerns families. Some parents ask their relatives not to give chocolates to their children as sweets are available everywhere during this period. Others don’t see it so strictly. The truth is that many children eat more chocolate at Easter than they are used to. How does this affect the way we deal with sweets and does this have direct health consequences for children?
Kathrin Sinningen (39), deputy head of the child nutrition research department at the University Children’s Hospital in Bochum (D), says: “In the short term, this has no effect on health, other than possible nausea.” Children can handle a one-time sugar flood just fine. Negative consequences such as tooth decay or obesity can only occur if the child regularly eats too much sugar. However, from a psychological perspective, experts say it is counterproductive for parents to only allow their children to eat candy on special occasions such as Easter, Christmas or birthdays.
Chocolate is even more attractive
“The problem is that little ones associate certain days of the year with sweets and snacks on those days because they’re never allowed to do that otherwise.” Sinningen says the aim should be to integrate sugary foods into daily life so that they no longer have special significance. This means, among other things, not giving chocolates as rewards for getting a good grade at school or tidying up your room. “Such habits become established and often persist into adulthood,” says Sinningen. This is expressed, for example, by treating yourself to a bar of chocolate after a tiring day.
Parents can do a variety of things to make sure kids learn to manage sugar in a healthy way and that a day like Easter doesn’t get out of control. Sinningen: “On the one hand, it makes sense to regularly offer the child a healthy alternative.” So put a sliced fruit or vegetable on the snack plate. According to experts, a child is more likely to accept healthy alternatives if they are accessible. Gradually, desserts and fruits or vegetables can be served together. “The child will also not only eat the additional portion of the sweets but also accept the healthy alternative,” says Sinningen. Sugary foods don’t need to be completely eliminated from your diet.
The sense of taste develops in the first years of life
Another tip is this: Do not eat more sweets per day than can fit in one child’s hand. Sinningen says this is a good guide not only for parents, but also for little ones. “Children always need a reason, and the rule ‘I can only eat as much sweet food a day as I can fit in my right or left hand’ is understandable.”
Many doctors recommend limiting sugar consumption in children, especially in the first few years after birth. “This is because the foundations of the sense of taste were laid during this period,” says Sinningen. If a small child is already accustomed to sweets, breaking this habit is difficult, but not impossible. According to experts, this works best if the transition occurs gradually. For a child who loves juice, she recommends slowly mixing the drink with more and more water.
Source : Blick
I am Dawid Malan, a news reporter for 24 Instant News. I specialize in celebrity and entertainment news, writing stories that capture the attention of readers from all walks of life. My work has been featured in some of the world’s leading publications and I am passionate about delivering quality content to my readers.
