Sugar Busters! for Kids
by H. Leighton Steward, Luis A. Balart, Morrison C. Bethea, Sam S. Andrews

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Book Summary Information

• Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers
• Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer
• Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor

Book Reviews of Sugar Busters! for Kids

Book Review: A Fine Healthier Living Plan for Kids
Summary: 5 Stars

If you have not yet discovered the Sugar Busters! approach, it is well worth your time. As the authors (three M.D.'s and a former Fortune 500 CEO) point out, many diseases are related to overweight and obesity (such as Type 2 diabetes which is caused by insulin resistance, and cardiovascular diseases). Two terrible things are happening now. First, childhood overweight and obesity are growing rapidly as a percentage of the population around the world. Second, what were once adult diseases related to overweight and obesity are showing up in children. The authors point out that these trends are closely associated with the rise in the use of refined sugar. These trends run in families, suggesting both genetic (homone related) and environmental causes.

As to changing, the book is filled with directions for how to shop, menus (along with acceptable substitutes), and recipes (on the spicy side to appeal to the adults too). You can also use the recipes in any of the other Sugar Busters! series books. The recipes are almost all simple to prepare. Most include ingredients available at most food stores. There also seemed to be an attempt to keep the cost reasonable. I do think that households with younger kids will probably use fewer seasonings (but remember that no-sugar ketchup!).

There is a separate section with rhymes for kids at the back, which illustrates some of the key concepts. You can use this like a standard children's book for those in the 3-6 age range. My only criticism about the back is that the letter to kids uses gasoline for a car as the analogy to the need to eat better. Prior to the age of driving, I doubt if that analogy will work

One of the best parts of the book is that it keeps it as simple as possible. The authors also emphasize making better choices rather than treating this like a diet. They also point out that there are few long-term studies of the effects of diet on youngsters, but they have used the few that are available. For example, a low glycemic breakfast reduces what youngsters eat in calories for lunch. They also discuss how to introduce new foods (assume it will take at least 10 efforts before acceptance occurs, so be patient and persistent!). The menus are adjusted separately for the 6-8 and 9-12 year old groups. Over 12, they can use the adult Sugar Busters!

Summary of Sugar Busters! for Kids

The program revolves around the glycemic index of food, which is defined as "a measure of how carbohydrates differ in their ability to elevate blood sugars and insulin levels after they are digested." Foods with low glycemic indexes like whole wheat, black beans, milk, and cherries are encouraged, while rice noodles, corn flakes, and potatoes have high numbers and should be avoided.

Much of the book is devoted to scary statistics about the health of children worldwide. Busy parents might be wise to skip these chapters and focus on the practical matters of how to change their family's daily habits. The basic plan offers plenty of good guidelines along with meal-planning ideas, suggestions for portion control, "phasing in" new foods, and making exercise a fun family activity.

Most of us have heard that more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains improve overall health. If your family needs more specific guidelines to follow through on dietary changes, Sugar Busters for Kids may be just the ticket. --Jill Lightner

Diets Books

• Subjects > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Diets & Weight Loss > Diets
• Parenting & Relationships > Parenting