Low Carbohydrate Diet
Everyday it seems as though the internet finds a new type of diet to start that magically makes your belly fat disappear or your biceps grow 3x in size. Among those are the increasingly popular low-carbohydrate diets.
What is a low-carbohydrate diet?
According to medical doctors Anna Neyman and Tamara S. Hannon, these infamous diets are weight loss strategies while also managing glycemic levels in people with both types of diabetes.
However, their usage and effectiveness in children with the disease are highly debated due to the diet’s potential adverse effects. Additionally, research is scarce on these subjects.
Diabetes Statistics
Unfortunately, the prevalence of diabetes in children is widespread in American communities, and it is even more imperative to pay attention to the diet’s impact. Let’s take a look at the statistics:
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In 2017, 213,000 children had diabetes
- 185,000 with type 1
- 28,000 with type 2
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In 2060, this number is projected to increase to 239,000
- 191,000 with type 1
- 48,000 with type 2
Controversies: What's the Big Deal?
The problem lies in cutting a child’s nutritional intake to sacrifice carbohydrates. In fact, cutting carbohydrates entirely can result in a multitude of dire consequences:
- A growing child needs nutrition from vegetables, fruits, and healthy carbohydrates to grow strong. Eliminating one of those could result in a nutritional deficiency and stunt physical growth.
- Forcing the idea that carbohydrates are a “bad” thing can lead to future eating disorders such as anorexia. These restrictions may also push a child to consider more unhealthy food sources.
- Children need energy to play and study, whether they’re in school or at home. This energy is rooted in carbohydrates, and if taken away, could lower activity levels.
However, lowering carbohydrate intake isn’t necessarily a bad solution for those with type 2 diabetes. Nowadays, children seem to intake most of their carbohydrates from processed foods and simple sugars, which can lead to a higher risk of type 2 diabetes.
By being more mindful of what types of carbohydrates they’re eating, combined with exercise, children could significantly improve their health and well-being.
A More Balanced Approach to Low Carbohydrate Diets
- Healthier Carbohydrate Options: Instead of offering simple sugars such as candy or chips, start by including their favorite fruit or whole wheat cereal in their snack options. Improving the type of simple carbohydrates they consume throughout the day can be the key to a successful “diet.”
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Exercise: Not only is lowering carbohydrate intake beneficial to those with type 2 diabetes, but also exercise is crucial. Some simple and quick exercises to do with your kid are listed below:
- Bike riding
- Walks
- Jump roping
- Running
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Sports
- Basketball
- Soccer
Start with moüthfuel!
Even with alternatives to the simple sugars, your kid may still find it difficult to transition. So, you’ve found a simple place to start a child’s healthier carbohydrate approach. Offered in four different flavors, say hello to moüthfuel! It truly is the hidden secret to finding that balance of healthy carbohydrates with ingredients such as toasty rolled oats or fun chia seeds.