How to Avoid Your Kids’ Sugar Crash
Another Kid-Friendly, Healthy Recipe!
CA personal trainer and registered dietician Bonnie Pace is back with a recipe that will satisfy your kids’ sweet tooth and let them get their hands a little dirty.
First, Columbia-based pediatrician Dr. Edisa Padder is breaking down why too much sugar can be problematic for our kids.
The sugar crash crankiness
Parents know the effects of a “sugar crash,” but not everyone understands why it ends in an epic breakdown.
“When a child eats a high glycemic food – like cookies, chips, cake or candy – blood sugar and insulin levels rise,” Dr. Padder explains. “But what goes up must come down. A few hours later, blood glucose levels will fall even below the level where it started. This blood sugar ‘crash’ can be severe enough to cause a surge in adrenaline. That’s the powerful hormone released during times of stress.”
Dr. Padder says that adrenaline surge paired with low blood sugar levels leads to fatigue, irritability and hunger.
As we head into the season of sweets, Dr. Padder says balancing the nutrition out can be easier than we think.
“Make it simple,” Dr. Padder said. “Offer sweets and treats in small quantities. You don’t want to never have them around. Kids should have sugary treats in moderation. At the same time, don’t give up on healthy foods and give into the pressure to buy seasonal pumpkin-flavored Oreos when they’re buy one, get one free.”
Dr. Padder suggests parents continue preparing and serving natural whole foods. You can also stock up on apples, oranges, raisins and dried fruits as healthier alternatives.
Bonnie’s Cacao Fudgies
Now it’s time for a quick, easy kid-friendly recipe for Bonnie’s Cacao Fudgies. Mmmmm…
- 1/2 c walnuts
- 1/2 c almonds
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 t. vanilla
- 1/4 cup cacao powder
- Put all the ingredients in a food processor or Magic Bullet
- Roll into small balls
- Refrigerate to set
- Enjoy!
Other options:
- You can use cashews which make them a little creamier
- You can also add coconut, mini chips, or raisins to the balls
- Sometimes I add a little ground coffee to make mocha balls
- You can also roll them in crushed nuts or coconut at the end!
If you missed it, Bonnie shared another awesome kid-friendly recipe on another Parents’ Corner blog post.
For more tips, check out the CA Parents’ Corner blog.
“Whenever you find yourself doubting how far you can go, just remember how far you have come.” – Unknown
