So many people struggle with their weight, and diabetes has been on the rise for many years now with no signs of slowing down any time soon.
What do I think the main (but not only) culprit is for this?
Sugar.
The problem is, it’s become so normal to eat sugar all day long that we don’t even think about it.
If someone smoked some weed or cracked open a beer as soon as they woke up, people would think they have a problem.
But if you wake up and dose yourself with caffeine (a stimulant/drug) and stick a couple of sugars in it, no-one bats an eyelid. In fact, people think you’re strange if you don’t do this?!
Maybe you’ll have a biscuit with it, then a bowl of cereal…
You then continue to repeat this multiple times throughout the day. Multiple teas/coffees and usually “snacks” between meals.
At lunch time it’s normal to have a little treat and a can of soda, but again, if you had an alcoholic drink on your lunch break it’d be frowned upon.
This is killing us. And not even that slowly!
And when it comes to kids – take a look around. Obesity is becoming more and more common amongst youngsters too.
Why is it ok to give a kid a sweet when they’ve had a haircut?
Why would you offer OTHER PEOPLES’ kids sweets and soft drinks by default when they come around?! (seriously, stop doing this!)
Why do grandparents (and parents) give their kids sweets daily?
…something you KNOW is bad for them?! (Though maybe you don’t know quite how bad)
Yes, they like them, but that doesn’t mean give it to them!
You’re not being kind by giving kids sweets, no matter how much they want them. You’re actually doing them harm!
I believe it should be limited to small treats every now and then, not a regular part of their diet (this includes ALL sweets and sugary drinks).
And the same goes for adults (ouch!).
Stop avoiding [healthy] fats (you need them in your diet), and start avoiding sugar like the plague.
If you’re at all serious about your own health, or the health of your children, you should probably have a little review of how much sugar you’re all consuming and see what you can do to reduce that.
I’d also avoid just replacing it with artificial sweeteners (“Diet” anything). They have their own issues and you’re best off just beating the sugar addiction without them.
There are so many things that you can do to improve your health, but it’s probably best to start by plugging the holes and getting rid of the things that are doing the most harm.
Sugar is one of them.
It’ll require a bit of discipline, some planning ahead, and a learning curve to master this, but it’ll be worth it.
And as for the kids, just tell them no! You’re in charge. Whilst you can control (at least in part) what they eat, why would you feed them stuff that’s bad for them?
There’ll probably be some tantrums (especially if they’re used to eating this junk every day) but it’s your responsibility as a parent/adult not to damage their health.
I realise I may receive some blowback from this, but someone’s got to say it. Don’t shoot the messenger.
And before you say it, yes, I have kids. They have a “sweetie day” on a Friday with the occasional treat at other times, and they drink water. It’s not cruel, it’s kind, because I know that all they’re really missing out on is a lifetime of sugar addiction.
If you’re interested in getting control of your diet and lifestyle and living a healthier life, check out www.MoveBetter.Club or get in touch.
Mark
