This podcast episode is one of the most important topics for parents: How to stop eating so much sugar. As we've discussed in the past, our children are what we ate and what their grandparents ate. Research shows over and over again the tremendous negative impact of added sugars. 

The American Heart Association has recommended that kids ages 2-18 should have less than 25 grams or 6 teaspoons of added sugar daily for a healthy heart. However, the average child's sugar intake is between 22-34 teaspoons per day depending on age and other factors.

One of our biggest goals is to empower parents to significantly reduce sugar intake for the entire family. Whether we are helping one family do a pantry makeover, or we're encouraging thousands to do a quit-sugar challenge, our aim is to help families get healthier, one baby step at a time.

With this goal in mind, we are so pumped to introduce you to the authors of the book Sugarproof.

Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar that Are Putting Your Child's Health at Risk and What You Can Do

In this episode of A Healthy Bite podcast, you'll find out how sugar is affecting your child and what you can do. Here are the 8 main topics we cover in this episode. You'll find the 7-Day and 28-Day Challenge in their book. Also, if you are interested in joining a Sugarproof Challenge

* What was your motivation behind writing this book?* How much sugar does the average kid consume?* What are the short term and long term implications of excess sugar intake?* Can kids be addicted to sugar?* If parents have a child with a serious sweet tooth, what steps can they take to get it under control? or reverse sugar addiction in children... i.e. How do we sugarproof our kids - the basics.* When should parents start sugarproofing their child (before conception?)* You have short term and long term challenges in your book, what kind of results would people expect to see with those?* Halloween is coming up along with the holidays, maybe some tips for sugarproofing during the candy culture season?

Why You Need to Cut Back Your Child's Sugar Intake  

If your children throw tantrums, storm around the house, or can't sit still you will want to read chapter three. In this chapter, the authors describe why a quick release of sugar into the bloodstream can strap your children into a roller coaster that causes highs and lows. They make the connection between breakfast and behavior that many parents have overlooked. 

Perhaps you've noticed that your children get hyper after sugar? It's not your imagination! It's due to the unpredictable effects of sugar. These highs and lows can take a toll on children, making them moody, raising their stress levels, and overall temperament. You'll read about case studies in the book that suggest clear links between sugars in the diet and your child's mood and mental well-being.

You've probably heard about the importance of gut health and the connection to immunity, mood, and even your child's memory. That is because trillions of microorganisms live and thrive inside the digestive system in what is known as a microbiome. Your child's microbiome is established in the first few years of life. This means that this is a crucial time to monitor the foods they eat.

Too much sugar can lead to digestion problems as well as a whole host of other issues. These include the possibility of fatty liver disease, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, acne, and more.

Sleepless on Sugar

Weight gain and obesity are not the only factors at play when it comes to cutting back on added sugars.