After an interview with CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta on CBS’ 60 Minutes, the message has been driven home to parents across the nation that sugar is a toxin.
Dr. Robert Lustig advocated for a balanced diet, but his idea of balanced is one that is low in added sugars. It’s Dr. Lustig’s view that sugar and high fructose corn syrup are helping to fuel one of America’s most common killers: heart disease.
To help keep your child’s diet low in added sugars, consider substituting prepackaged snacks and foods with natural replacements. Stock your pantry and fridge with these five quick grab and go snack items that are free from added sugar.
1. Fresh fruit.
Strawberries and blueberries tend to be lower in naturally occurring sugar than fruits like bananas.
2. String cheese.
Opt for brands like Frigo String Cheese that indicate that there is no sugar added on the label.
3. Homemade trail mix:
Dried fruits with no added sugar, nuts and seeds. Drying your own fruits at home can ensure that no sugar is added.
4. Homemade air popped popcorn.
A popcorn popper like Presto PopLite hot air popcorn popper can help make a healthy, homemade treat that tastes great.
5. Hard-boiled eggs.
To make perfect hard-boiled eggs, fill a pot with cold water and add eggs. The water should cover the eggs by an inch or two. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Cover the pot, remove the pot from the burner and let the eggs sit for 12 minutes. Drain the pot and transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water. Crack, peel and enjoy.
What snack foods do you serve your child? Share your naturally sugar free snack ideas in the comments below.
