Discussion Board

I'm curious what your views are on feeding sugar to kids? I've only read MWL so maybe this is covered in one of Dr. M's other books. It's pretty easy for me to avoid sugar as an adult but even when I feed my kids a whole food diet sugar still seems to creep into everything and adds up to more than I think is ok. I know Dr. McDougall says sugar in moderation is ok if it helps you eat your grains but my kids are not good with sugar moderation. I'm very guilty of using sweets as motivation (potty training + M&M's) and it seems like sugar is in everything! I'm really ok with a little sugar but I don't want my kids addicted to the stuff and I fear that's what I'm doing. Where do you draw the line?

Also, there has been much talk lately about white sugar vs. Rapadura or honey or date sugar. Do you feel they are all bad? Is one better than another?

I don't think there's a big difference between the different sugars (except artificial sweeteners- they are awful).

I make a lot of fruit smoothies for my kids, and they love them, but that being said, they get too much sugar because I do. When I'm eating less sugar, they do, too, but when I'm eating it they want it.

I'm not one for bribing kids at all, but if you feel the need, how about berries? My kids get pretty excited about fresh strawberries and blueberries. A blueberry for going potty might work. Or maybe some dried fruit that has a little sugar on it but isn't pure processed sugar.

It's pretty simple to avoid it if you stay away from processed foods. I don't keep sugary snacks in the house, let alone candy. Rewards, in my opinion, should never be food based.