Practical Parenting

by Crystal Linn

 

Crystal Linn is a childcare expert and a professional writer. She is co-founder of
C and C Educational Consultants, a Bothell-based company that works with childcare professionals and also offers children's workshops and parenting classes. Crystal enjoys reading mysteries, writing poetry and sailing. She would love to hear from you at candceducationalconsultants@gmail.com or at (206) 715-2505.

All good parents want their children to eat healthy. This can be difficult when sugar-laden foods are a major part of our celebrations, including birthday parties and holidays. With Halloween and other major holidays just around the corner, I decided it would be fun to look at some of the sugar substitutes that are available.

While I'm looking forward to the holidays, I'm definitely not looking forward to the children's "sugar highs" and possible tooth decay.

There are many sweet alternatives to choose from, and it can be overwhelming when trying to make the wisest decision. Three of my favorites are agave, stevia and xyitol. All three of these contain some nutrients (if processed correctly). They are low-glycemic and will not cause blood sugar levels to spike, like white sugar does. In addition, these sweeteners do not promote tooth decay.

Agave is a plant in the succulent family and is similar to the aloe vera plant. It is grown in southern Mexico and is also used to make tequila. The raw plant contains many nutrients such as calcium, potassium and vitamin C. While it is not as sweet as honey, it does have a distinct yet mild taste, like honey does. I use it in smoothies and in my pancake/waffle syrup. It can be used just like honey.

Stevia comes from an herb in the chrysanthemum family from South America. Raw stevia contain many nutrients including iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin A. In addition to a high nutrient content, it has been known to actually stabilize blood sugar levels. Stevia is 200-300 times stronger than sugar and only small amounts are needed. While small amounts have little or no taste, too much causes a bitter aftertaste. I use it to sweeten teas and smoothies. It can be used in cooking and baking.

Xyitol comes from plant fiber, and most xyitol sold in stores come from the bark of birch trees. This carbohydrate sweetener contains some nutrients and has been known to assist the body in the absorption of calcium and the B vitamins. It is also a good anti-bacterial. Out of all of the sugar substitutes I've used, xyitol is my favorite, as it is most like white sugar and can be used the same.

Have fun experimenting with these and other sugar alternatives, and I wish you a calmer holiday season, with fewer sugar highs in your children.

To your parenting success,

Crystal

Quotable Parenting Quote:

If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart. - Arabic proverb