In the fight against childhood obesity, it’s time to scrutinize the effects of glucose
America has been dealing with addiction for decades, but studies are finding some of the most addictive substances we encounter often are in our children’s lunchboxes.
COOKIE ADDICTION
Every parent has inevitably witnessed the rise and fall of energy within their child with the consumption of candy and sweets. When the brain is washed in glucose, it works faster, harder and in hyper-drive. However, most parents don’t realize the brain habituates itself, or becomes accustomed to elevated levels of blood sugar. Once the brain has experienced a certain high, or surge in energy from elevated blood sugar, it becomes acclimated and physiologically demands extra glucose from that point forward.
Unfortunately, there are no options for going cold turkey. Once acclimated to elevated levels of glucose, the brain will not function properly without them. When not given its glucose-fix, the brain becomes fuzzy, lethargic, demotivated and slow to learn. In addition, excess cortisol — the primary stress hormone — is released, which encourages mood swings, weight gain, fatigue and cravings for more carbohydrates. Many adults experience these feelings around 10 a.m. or 3 p.m., when they are “coming down” from a meal. At those two points in the day, many adults reach for a doughnut or a coke, anything to maintain mental productivity.
DRUGS ON EVERY CORNER
Unlike the stereotype of hooded men in back alleys, foods that spike blood sugar are available in the open, with advertising on every street corner and on countless websites. Refined carbohydrates, containing sugars and often low-fat logos, plead to our on the- go nature and are easy to grab when getting gas. They break down quickly in our bodies, skyrocket our blood sugar and wash the brain in glucose. Examples of common on-the-go foods include: granola bars, muffins, bagels, cookies, most breakfast cereals, instant oatmeal, rice cakes, soda, sports drinks, candy bars, puddings and fruit snacks. How many of the listed foods appear in your child’s lunchbox?
We are addicting them to glucose before they can make decisions for themselves. As busy parents, we want to feed them as healthfully as possible with minimal mess and preparation. There is no glucose dealer here, just individuals with responsibilities pulling them in multiple directions.
PANCAKE REHAB
Similar to smoking cessation, glucose addiction is not a battle to be won overnight. The brain has habituated to sugar for years, making the habit a physiological necessity. Small choices instituted every day can help to slowly acclimate the brain to less sugar. For on-the-go families with budgets and deadlines, we recommend:
• Fruit: The portable snack that offers natural sugar, fiber and nutrients.
• String cheese: Kids love them, they will never affect blood sugar, and they’re a good source of protein.
• Yogurt: Although some yogurts have a lot of sugar in them, they still offer a better option than muffins because of their serving of dairy and protein content. They can also be frozen to make a healthy treat or utilitarian ice pack.
• Roasted nuts: Peanuts, cashews, almonds, all offer healthy fats and give you a “full” feeling.
• Chocolate (preferably dark): If you’re going to eat a sweet, at least enjoy one packed with antioxidants! Chocolate has a high fat content, which slows down sugar molecules in the digestive process.
• Whole grains: Snacks labelled whole grain are great choices among carbohydrates.
Studies have shown some of
the most addictive substances can be found in children’s lunchboxes. Eating
excess amounts of glucose, found in foods such as doughnuts, makes your brain
demand extra sugar from that point forward and causes your brain to malfunction
if it doesn't receive more.
Reference: Alliance for Health
