Sugar is the New Tobacco?

Recent headlines have outlined that an addiction to sugar is just as harmful to us as an addiction to tobacco. Figures are highlighted in the media on a daily basis, surrounding the amount of sugar that is present in almost all the foods we eat, from fruit juices to McDonald’s products.

But how do we stay clear of these hidden sugars? ‘Half fat’ or ‘reduced fat’ products are currently being criticised as the reduction in fat is replaced with extra added sugars for taste.

Mother of two, Amanda Cable became aware of her family’s sugar intake and decided to make a radical change. She thought by controlling her son’s food consumption by substituting sugary cereals and snacks with ‘healthier’ alternatives, would benefit him. This new regime was scrutinised however, exposing the hidden sugars that totalled to be almost double than of that in his previous eating habits.

Read the article here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2536913/Mother-switched-boys-healthier-diet-MORE-sugar.html

The Recommended Daily Allowance for sugar is 90g or 22.5 teaspoons a day and less for children. Remember: the labels that shout out ‘LOW IN FAT’ or ‘REDUCED CALORIES’ do not always mean less sugar, so read the product labels to know what you and your family are consuming!

Kiddichef is a food catering service that produces fresh, healthy food, from scratch, on a daily basis and especially for children. Through their work ethic and ethos, KiddiChef avoids the issues surrounding these addictive sugars. We accommodate to the particular nutritional needs and dietary requirements of children, and protect your children from consuming hidden sugars.

Our products are honestly labelled, and free from the contributing factors of hidden sugars found in preservatives and genetically modified ingredients, with our fresh recipes incorporating the thriving fruit and vegetables of the current season. For more information on Kiddichef and our dietary and nutritional guidance, visit our website here.

World Diabetes Day – 14th November 2012

                           

What`s Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most popular metabolic diseases. Its name derives from the Greek and it means “to go across” just because sugar goes across kidneys and it mixes with urine. People who have diabetes can`t use insulin well and so their blood glucose level goes up. Besides, they have problems in regulating carbohydrate and fat metabolism in the body.  

Different Types:

Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the body can't control levels of glucose in the blood. It develops when the body can’t produce the hormone insulin. Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called insulin-dependent diabetes and is most commonly developed during childhood.

 Diabetes mellitus type 2, which was called “non insulin-addicted diabetes”, develops when the body doesn`t produce enough insulin to maintain a normal blood glucose level or when it can`t use insulin. This one is genetic and it manifests itself in old patients that usually have also other problems like: obesity, high blood pressure and heart diseases.

It is widely speculated that diabetes occurred when inherited genetic characteristics are triggered by environmental factors such as diet or exercise. Although there is no specific diabetes causes, the following triggers may be involved:

• Viral or bacterial infection
• Chemical toxins within food
• Unidentified component causing autoimmune reaction

 

Diabetes in children:

Type 1 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes in children: 90-95 per cent of under 16s with diabetes have this type.  

Some studies made by the Queen`s University of Belfast and by the Pecs University said that in 2020 children under 5 affected by diabetes will double! Causes of the growth of them are: bad alimentary habits, highest weight and height at the birth and caesarian births. Diabetes in children could not be only linked with genetic factors. Many scientists think it could be connected with imbalances during the gestation; that`s why it`s important that the mother follows a correct diet during the pregnancy.  Gestational diabetes appears unexpectedly and symptoms are: continuing thirst, tendency to urinate more, to get fat and an increase on the amniotic liquid.

 How to keep children diabetes under control:

Living with diabetes can put families under considerable strain, so access to backup support is crucial. This may be from your GP, the hospital team or social services. Online communities such as Children with Diabetes UK, provides parents with access to other parents who are raising children with diabetes.

 To keep diabetes under control you have to: 

          

- Check  regularly his/her blood glucose level;

- Pay attention on food and sport;

- Help your child to inject insulin;

- Find out when your child feels sick.

It`s very important that your child learn about diabetes and that you make him/her understand that to be diabetic doesn`t mean to be different from others. So, if he/she made you some questions about diabetes you have to answer him/her specifically. Don`t be afraid: your child will be more reassured this way.            

Diabetic children diet:

Parents must be aware that children with diabetes have diet restrictions, and that their activity levels need to be closely monitored. The key to taking care of diabetes is to keep blood glucose as close to normal as possible. The best way to do this is to:

•   Make healthy food choices

•   Eat the right amounts of food

•   Be active everyday

•   Stay at a healthy weight

•   Take your medicines and check your blood glucose as planned with your health care team.

1.    GRAINS, BEANS, AND STARCHY (6 or more servings a day)

2.    VEGETABLES (3 - 5 servings a day)

3.    FRUITS (2 - 4 servings a day)

4.    MILK (2 - 3 servings a day)

5.    MEAT AND FISH (2 - 3 servings a day)

6.    FATS, ALCOHOL, AND SWEETS (in general, you should limit them)