S3:E6: How To ‘Sugarproof’ Your Kid

Research shows babies, toddlers, and kids are getting more added sugar in their diets than ever before and it’s not only adding to weight gain and childhood obesity, but it’s having profound effects on their emotional and mental health too. In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Michael Goran and Dr. Emily Ventura, co-authors of the book “Sugarproof: The Hidden Dangers of Sugar That Are Putting Your Child's Health at Risk and What You Can Do.” We talked about ethnic disparities, “secondhand sugar,” sneaky marketing tactics, and the more than 200 names that sugar goes by. We also explore easy ways to detox from sugar and make healthy, delicious treats at home.    Welcome  3:12 Let’s talk about your story! 6:22 In what ways can excess sugar, and different types of sugar affect kids’ health? 8:45 Are there signs that kids are consuming too much sugar?  11:24 What do we know about ethnic disparities when it comes to childhood obesity, type-2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)? 15:18 What does the term you coined, “secondhand sugar?” mean and what are the implications for women? 18:31 Can you talk about the research you uncovered about the sugary foods kids are consuming? 20:21 Are babies born with sweet preferences? 22:06  Studies show babies are consuming too much added sugar as well. Why do you think this is and what should parents know? 24:12 What are some myths about the various types of sugars and sweeteners? 29:30 How do you know your child is consuming too much sugar, especially because most parents aren’t tracking it? 30:29 In your book, you say sugar can go by 200 names! How can parents identify these sugars? 33:54 Can you talk about the two no-sugar challenges in your book and what parents can expect? 38:17 What are some practical tips to help families limit the amount of sugar in their diets? 40:48 What are some easy ways busy parents can make better versions of sweet treats at home for their kids? LINKS MENTIONED IN THE SHOW Dr. Ventura mentions The Edible Schoolyard Project in Berkley, CA Dr. Goran mentions this website that has a list of more than 260 names for sugar. Drs. Goran and Ventura talk about their favorite recipes including No-Bake Chocolate Sesame Squares, Blueberry Banana Muffins, and Sugarproof Nutella. Julie mentions the article she wrote, “10 Reasons To Avoid Sugar During Pregnancy." Purchase the book, “Sugarproof.” Learn more at SugarProofKids.com Follow Dr. Goran & Dr. Ventura on Instagram & Facebook FROM OUR PARTNERS Kids Cook Real Food eCourse The Kids Cook Real Food eCourse, created by a mom of 4 and a former elementary school teacher, is designed to build connection, confidence, and creativity in the kitchen. The course includes 30 basic cooking skills, 45 videos including several bonuses, printable supply and grocery shopping lists, and kid-friendly recipes. The course is designed for all kids ages 2 to teen and has three different skill levels. More than 18,000 families have taken the course and The Wall Street Journal named it the #1 cooking class for kids. Sign up now for the Kids Cook Real Food ecourse and get a free lesson for being a “Food Issues” listener.    Thrive Market  Thrive Market is an online membership-based market that has the highest quality, organic, non-GMO, healthy, and sustainable products. From groceries, clean beauty, safe supplements, and non-toxic home products to ethical meat, sustainable seafood, clean wine, and more, Thrive Market is where members save an average of $32 on every order! Through Thrive Gives, every paid membership sponsors a free one for a low-income family. Join Thrive Market today and get 25% off your first order and a free gift.  Vitamix  Unlike other blenders, the Vitamix blends everything up into a super-smooth consistency, much like a juicer would, except you get all the nutritious fiber that regular juicers leave behind. Yet Vitamix is for so much more than smoothies.