Food Issues

Food Issues


S8:E7: Are Artificial Sweeteners Safe For Kids? w/ Kimberly Gomer, MS, RD, LDN

November 22, 2022

Artificial sweeteners have been around for more than a century, but today, it seems that they’re showing up almost everywhere: in snacks, sports drinks, and tons of processed foods. And just like sugar, kids are getting too much. In fact, more than one in 4 kids consumes artificial sweeteners on any given day. Although they may seem like a step up from sugar, you might be wondering, are artificial sweeteners safe for kids?


In this episode, I sat down with Kimberly Gomer, a registered dietitian nutritionist with a master’s in nutrition who specializes in medical nutritional therapy. She has over 25 years of experience coaching clients for health and wellness and is currently the Director of Nutrition at Body Beautiful Miami. Gomer is also a well-known media expert who has been featured in leading media outlets including CNN Health, Fox News Health, and Prevention.


Kimberly talks about how to spot artificial sweeteners on labels, the surprising foods they show up in, and what research is revealing about their safety. She also talks about ways to limit artificial sweeteners and sugar in your kid’s diet and dishes up healthy and creative snack ideas for kids.


Welcome


2:34 Let’s talk about your story!


7:47 What’s the sugar problem with kids in the U.S.?


15:27 What are artificial sweeteners and how can we spot them on food labels?


17:53 What are some surprising ways they hide?


20:19 Are companies using artificial sweeteners more?


21:09 What are myths about artificial sweeteners?


25:08 Are there certain kids that should avoid them?


29:08 What are your best tips for limiting sugar and artificial sweeteners?


36:02 What are your favorite snack and treat ideas that use real food ingredients?


37:39 What should we be mindful of when it comes to artificial sweeteners around the holidays?


LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW

Kimberly talks about the Pritikin Longevity Center.


Kimberly mentions that 16.2% of children ages 10-17 have obesity.


Julie mentions non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).


Kimberly talks about Primal Kitchen ketchup.


Kimberly mentions phenylketonuria (PKU).


Learn more about Kimberly on BodyBeautifulMiami.com.


Follow Body Beautiful Miami on Instagram.


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