Author: The Author Belinda N. Mays

Belinda Mays is the author of "7 Days With Daddy" which introduces early readers, ages 3-8, to time concepts and is a tribute to Super Dads everywhere. A charming tribute to fathers is not a new theme for Mays. After her father's passing in 2013, she delivered a speech about her Dad, Berkins Booker, Jr., and his career as an Air Force mechanic. This display of respect and adoration won Mays a Toastmasters Tall Tales contest and resulted in her first book, "My Amazing Dad". It has been a source of inspiration ever since.
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Healthy Alternatives To Help Curb Sugar Cravings

By Jassica Mendez


Sugar is everywhere. In stores, our houses, and, apparently, our heads. The human brain
functions mainly on glucose, and it likes to demand it now and then, even if it doesn’t need it.
You’ve fantasized about a stuffed, creamy chocolate donut in an unreasonable hour? Don’t
worry; we’ve all been there. Let’s go over some healthy alternatives to help you curb sugar
cravings.

Ginger Is Your New Best Friend


If you’ve ever taken a ginger shot when you had a craving, you know what we’re talking about.
Ginger is one of the most powerful yet underestimated ingredients we have the honor to have.
What could possibly an ugly little piece of white roots do? Well, everything! It has amazing
active components that:

  • Stimulate Thermogenesis 
  • Reduce Cholesterol
  • Regulate Insulin Secretion (and glucose levels as a result)
  • Stimulate The Sympathetic Autonomic System
  • Increase Focus (as a result of a previously listed effect)
  • Help With Detoxing
a tea with ginger

Why Is It So Magical?


Our friendly neighboring ginger can help you in more ways than one. As for sugar cravings, we
recommend that you use them to curb cravings you feel in the morning or during the day. Those
cravings are mostly present because your brain feels like it needs more fuel to burn for the daily
tasks, or you’re stressed out. Whatever the reason behind it, a ginger shot or adding ginger to
your smoothie can make it all go away by regulating insulin and glucose levels.


Also, it will improve your focus, so it’s not a bad idea to make it your regular morning drink. But
wait – there’s more! The stimulation of thermogenesis and sympathetic regulation of the
cardiovascular system can be extremely helpful in any weight loss program, so you might use it
for that too. Also, drinking ginger juice in the morning can be an excellent substitute for sugary
drinks and help you decrease the risk of getting diabetes. If we had to pick one thing from this
list, ginger would definitely be our top pick.

Dark Chocolate Is Best


Many people mention eating chocolate when asked what they eat to satisfy their sweet tooth.
However, if you really must have chocolate, you may satisfy your appetite while still making
healthy food choices by selecting dark chocolate.

Any chocolate with a cocoa content of 70% or above is considered dark chocolate. It also has
polyphenols, which are beneficial plant components. There is preliminary evidence that these
polyphenols’ antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may assist boost cardiovascular health
indicators. Dark chocolate may satisfy a sweet tooth, but like milk chocolate, it’s also high in calories and fat, so moderation is key. You can set a great example for your kids and show them how to replace sugary milk chocolate treats with a darker and healthier solution on time.

Dark chocolate and berries.
A piece of dark chocolate a day keeps the doctor away.

Calm Your Nerves


Dark chocolate is also known to increase levels of serotonin when consumed. It can improve
your mood and help you relax in stressful times. This is the main reason why experts
at heavenlymove.com advise their clients to take a bit of dark chocolate to curb their cravings
during stressful moves. You can, of course, apply this knowledge to your personal use in any
way you like. 

Chia Seeds Are Next In Line


Seeds from the chia plant, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber, and other beneficial plant
elements, are nutritious. To be exact, soluble fiber makes up around 40% of chia seeds. This
fiber can quickly absorb water, expanding to a jelly-like consistency in the digestive tract. This
may help you feel fuller for longer and reduce your sugar urges. Since chia seeds are so
adaptable, you may use this recipe for chia pudding or come up with your sweet treat using chia
seeds. If your child has diabetes, you can use chia to make delicious snacks they can fully enjoy.

Schedule A Date With Dates


In today’s article, we won’t be talking about romance and relationships but about something
rather delicious and healthy. Dates are an excellent source of fiber, potassium, iron, and
beneficial plant components, even after drying. A handful of dates is a healthier alternative to
soda or sweets when you’re craving something sweet.


Consider mixing nuts like almonds if you want a sweet and crunchy snack. But remember that
dates are still quite sweet, so eat just a handful at a time.

What About Prunes?


Next in line with our healthy alternatives are dried plums (called prunes among their friends). They’re
highly delicious and nutritious, much like dates. They’re a better choice than sweets when you’re
craving something sweet.


And that’s not the only thing these can help you with! Constipation may be alleviated because of
their high level of fiber and containing natural sorbitol. Sorbitol, a sugar alcohol found in nature,
has a pleasant flavor, and your body absorbs it slowly. That’s why it is used on its own as a
sweetener too. You can use sorbitol to sweeten your homemade cookies without glucose, and
they’ll still turn out great!

Jars with dried fruit.
Keep a jar with prunes in your kitchen, and you’ll always have a healthy alternative to help you curb sugar cravings.

Final Thoughts


We shared our top picks with you, but there are many more healthy alternatives to help you curb
sugar cravings! Among others, you can consider yogurt, berries, and legumes. Another critical
thing to note is – to make sure to check the labels and ingredients on everything you buy. Sugar
may be hiding in unexpected places. You might think you’re not taking it when there is quite a
lot. The more you take it, the more you’ll crave it. So, try these healthy alternatives and lead your
life in a healthier direction, not ruled by sugar addiction. We root for you!

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Life Skills To Teach Your Child By Age 10

A child showing painted palms for 10 life skills to teach your child by age 10

When we discuss the hardest and most high-pressure jobs, we often mention police officers, firefighters, surgeons, etc. And while all that is true, one more “job” takes the top spot. And that it is being a parent. While they don’t run into buildings on fire or do difficult surgeries daily, parents are doing equally important jobs. They are raising the next generation, which comes with its challenges.

Parents have a huge responsibility to make sure their kids grow up to be good people who contribute to our society. They need to give their children love, care, and attention and lead by example. But emotional support and care are not the only things a parent must do to ensure their children have a promising future. They have to make sure their children acquire certain skills, and they have to start teaching them early. And that will be the topic of our article today. We will talk about the life skills to teach your child by age 10.

Our List Of Life Skills To Teach Your Child By Age 10


Some basic skills will be on our list, like cleaning and making a snack. But also emotional skills your child should know. Emotional skills shouldn’t be put aside. They are very important later in life. For example, if you are someone with a history of addiction, you want to do everything in your power to prevent your child from inheriting your addiction. And the only way to do that is to take actions to prevent this at an early age. You have to focus on teaching your child emotional intelligence and asking for help at an early age. Now check out our list:

  • Personal Hygiene
  • Introducing Themselves
  • Make A Snack
  • Making Decisions
  • Asking for help
  • Cleaning Their Room
  • Dressing Themselves
  • Being Focused
  • Money Management
a little girl brushing her teeth
Kids need to learn how to take of their personal hygiene

Basic Hygiene

Before your child turns ten, they need to know how to take care of their hygiene. When they are very little, you do all that for them. You bathe them, wash their hair and moisturize them. But there comes the point when they have to learn to do that for themselves. A normal ten-year-old needs to know when it’s time to brush their teeth, take a bath, etc. You can make a little colorful timetable to make this easier for your kids. There you can write down when it’s time to wash their teeth in the morning and evening, when it’s time to take a bath etc. And put that list in your kid’s room so they can see it. After a while, that will turn into a habit, and they won’t need the timetable to remind them anymore.

How To Introduce Themselves

Kids need to acquire certain social skills before they turn ten. If not, they could grow up to be isolated, socially awkward people. For some kids, this comes easy, and they don’t need much help. But some kids are naturally shy and need a bit more time. Start by teaching them how to introduce themselves to strangers. They need to learn to say hello and say their name. Also, teach them basic phrases like thank you, please, and sorry.

a little girl cooking with her mom. One of the life skills to teach your child by age 10 is making a simple meal
Kids should know how to make a sandwich or some toast

Make A Snack

They are still too young to learn how to cook but not too young to know how to make a simple meal for themselves. They shouldn’t have to call you every time they want a little snack. The first thing to teach them is to make a sandwich. You can also teach them to make toast or a healthy snack. But in that case, be very careful and teach them how to use the toaster carefully and not get injured.

Making Decisions

Too often, kids grow up to be dependent on their parents for everything, especially when it comes to decision-making. That’s an issue that most likely stems from their childhood. So that’s the time to start working on and preventing that. You need to allow your children to make their own decisions. And that starts with the simplest things. What toy do you want to play with? What color do you want the walls in your room to be? What do you want to wear? Those are simple minor issues, but they are very efficient in building your child’s decision-making skills.

Asking for help

It may not sound like it but knowing how to ask for help is also a skill. Sometimes if kids are not adequately encouraged to ask for help, they tend to keep things that bother them inside. This usually continues in their teenage years and adulthood and creates emotional issues. According to experts at brightfuturestreatment.com, children who don’t acquire basic emotional skills in childhood are more likely to have addiction issues later on.

little girl hanging clothes
Kids should know how to keep their rooms tidy

Cleaning Their Room

There comes a point when you need to stop doing everything for your kids, including cleaning their rooms. This is a great opportunity to start teaching them to be responsible and aware of their space. Kids like being dependable and letting you do all the chores for them. And you need to be very clear that this is unacceptable. Of course, you do this slowly. Don’t make the whole room their responsibility right away. Start by teaching them to make their bed. After a while, add picking up toys to their list of chores. Little by little, they will be cleaning their entire room by themselves.

How To Dress Themselves

One of the life skills to teach your child by age ten is to dress themselves. When they are very little and still in kindergarten, normally, you dress them every morning. But after that, it is time they start doing that for themselves. Picking out clothes that are appropriate for school should become their routine. And it shouldn’t be too hard to learn. They have seen you pick your clothes, and chances are they already know how to do it. By age 10, they should pick out and prepare their clothes the night before so they can get ready on their own in the morning.

Focusing On A Task

When kids are very little, they have a lot of energy and short attention spans. How many times did you give them a new toy, and they play with it for a short time and then just leave it? Well, that issue won’t magically disappear overnight. You have to teach them to stay on task and not put things off. Like doing homework or cleaning their room. And the earlier you start doing this, the better.

Kids should learn the history and role of money

Appreciate Money

Everybody knows that scene in a store when kids are running after their parents demanding they buy something for them. Kids don’t know the value of money yet. Teach them the history of money and how to buy things on their own. Practice by sending them to buy their favorite candy and giving them enough money for exactly that. That way, they will learn to appreciate money and be grateful when you buy them something.

In Conclusion

These are the life skills we recommend you teach your child by age 10. As you can see, there is nothing too extreme, just basic life skills every kid should know. You just have to be patient and encourage them to learn. We hope our list was useful to you and made being a parent at least a little bit easier.

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The Most Common Signs Of A Child With Undiagnosed Diabetes

insulin pen, diabetic measurement tools, and pills

About 283,000 Americans under age 20 are diagnosed with diabetes, making it the most common endocrine disease in children. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the body either does not produce the pancreatic hormone insulin or does not use it properly. Insulin controls the level of glucose in the blood and the amount of sugar absorbed into the cells. Glucose is our primary energy source for all bodily functions. But, without insulin, glucose stays in our blood and can’t reach cells.

Although diabetes has no cure, there is a way to manage it and stay healthy. That is why it is essential to recognize the most common signs of a child with undiagnosed diabetes on time. Early treatment can prevent complications later on.

What are the types of diabetes?

Two types of diabetes can affect children. Both are rising due to numerous factors, such as pollution, poor eating habits, and lack of physical activity.

TYPE 1

The causes of type 1 diabetes can be genetic. Still, sometimes it occurs more often due to autoimmune damage to the pancreas during viral infections, so insulin is either reduced or not secreted. It can develop at any age but is most common in children and adolescents. It requires mandatory compensation for insulin because there is an almost complete lack of this hormone.

TYPE 2

Type 2 diabetes results from two interrelated causes. The first is insufficient secretion of insulin in the pancreas. Another reason is the inability of our cells to respond to insulin, which is why they can’t take in sugar properly. Commonly it is diagnosed in older adults, but its prevalence in children is increasing due to obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. It often has a slow, gradual onset that makes detection and diagnosis difficult in children.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of A Child With
Undiagnosed Diabetes?

The most common symptoms of diabetes in children we often call the 4 Ts:
● Toilet
● Thirsty
● Tired
● Thinner

Toilet

Under normal circumstances, kidneys absorb excess glucose from the bloodstream. But if there
is too much glucose in the blood, the kidneys will not be able to absorb it completely. Your
kidneys produce more urine to remove excess glucose from the body, which leads to more
frequent urination. This urge may be more prevalent at night. Any change in the frequency of
urination in your child, primarily if it occurs at night, might be a sign of a child with undiagnosed
diabetes. 

Little girl drinking water
A constant feeling of thirst is a sign of a child with undiagnosed diabetes


Thirsty

A constant feeling of thirst is associated with frequent urination. Excess sugar in the blood leads
to water withdrawal from the tissues and its transfer into the bloodstream, which causes
dehydration. As the kidneys remove excess water, the person becomes further dehydrated,
causing them to consume more water and feel thirsty.

Tired

A child with undiagnosed diabetes may feel constantly tired. The lack of sugar available to the
cell decreases energy production, which is why children feel fatigued. They may feel sluggish
even after a good night’s sleep. Parents should also pay attention to the ups and downs in their
energy levels during the day.


Thinner

Changes in body weight are regular before the diagnosis of diabetes. Weight loss occurs due to
the body’s inability to obtain enough nutrients from the food it consumes. If your child shows an
increased appetite and eats more but still loses weight, it is one of the signs that your child may
have undiagnosed diabetes. Keep in mind that type 2 diabetes can lead to gradual weight gain. 
If you notice any 4T signs, take your child to the doctor and insist on a blood glucose test.

Other Signs You Should Pay Attention To


There are other early signs that the child may have diabetes. Those are: 
● Blurred vision
● Nausea and vomiting
● Belly pain
● Irritability and mood changes
● Fruity breath and fast breathing
● Yeast infection in girls


How Can I Help My Child?


Diagnosing diabetes in a child can be a stressful experience for the entire family, both the parents
and the child. As a parent, you may wonder how you can help your child accept and take control
of their illness while still having all the carefree childhood experiences.

Learn To Control Diabetes

Learn how to control diabetes. Ask a doctor to tell you how to recognize the symptoms of low
and high blood sugar and what to do in these situations. Inform the kindergarten teachers or
school teachers about this, as well as others in constant contact with your child. Check your
child’s blood glucose level regularly. When your child reaches the required age, teach him to do
it independently and to give himself insulin injections correctly. There are several myths about
diabetes that are widespread. Get to know the facts.
 

A girl playing tennis
Physical activity is crucial in diabetes control

Build Diabetes-Friendly Environment

Quality of life is essential for keeping diabetes under control. Research has clearly shown a link
between pollution and insulin resistance, so it’s best to avoid such areas if possible. Physical
activity is one of the crucial aspects of diabetes control. Ensure your child has access to
playgrounds,  sports fields, and regular exercise. If you decide to change your current place of
residence and find one more suitable for you and your family, professionals from
cleancutmoving.com recommend hiring the best moving company to help you with this task.

Bowl of fruit and oatmealvegetable salad
Make a good meal plan

Eat Healthily 

Diet is important for diabetes control. Make a good meal plan. Try to get your child to eat foods
high in fiber, such as whole grains, vegetables, and foods with a lower glycemic index. Discover
new healthy recipes that will make meals more diverse.

Final Words

Early detection is essential in diabetes because early treatment can prevent serious
complications. That is why it is necessary to recognize the most common signs of a child with
undiagnosed diabetes and consult a doctor if needed. We hope this text can help you with that.

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Simple Ways To Encourage Learning

black father reading to a baby

By Jassica Mendez

Personality significantly shapes a child’s outlook on school and their general disposition toward learning. Every child can improve their learning abilities with the right motivation and a solid grasp of the fundamentals. It’s best to start fostering learning and engaging with the world from a young age. That is not as hard as it may sound. Here are a few simple ways to encourage learning.

1. Read To Them

The best way to help your kid learn is to read to them. It’s always nice to spend time reading to your kid. If your kids love their bedtime stories, try replacing a fairytale with a story about preserving the environment. Occasionally change out the type of stories you read them. You can introduce them to comic books and animated children‘s books or have them pick out a book they want themselves. If they enjoy being at the bookstore, you could even take out a library card for them so they may borrow books when they wish. Is a dinosaur the protagonist in their favorite work of fiction? Get a dinosaur-related nonfiction book from the library and read it together. Set aside time every day to read aloud to one another, whether before supper, at bedtime, or in the tub.

a mom reading a book to her toddler
Reading to your kids is one of the best ways to engage them in learning and an excellent bonding time for you.

2. Explore Their Passion

Consider what your youngster is into or excited about right now. Did they really like reading about space? Do they have a fascination with insects? If your kid loves cars, for example, you can take them on a weekly adventure and explore different forms of transportation around your city. You can take the metro, a city bus, then a shuttle bus around your area. Your kid would love to try out various rides. If you are moving soon, Master Moving Guide advises you to help them pack your trunk or moving truck. That’s an excellent opportunity to develop their spacial organization skill. A farm or environment center would be a great place to take your kid if they love animals. And if they appreciate art, discover a nearby art show. During field trips, their passions are elevated to the level of an adventure, and what we consider routine may seem extraordinary to them.

3. Make It Fun

There are always ways to make learning fun. Think about those green smoothie recipes that taste nice enough that your youngster doesn’t notice the hidden spinach or kale. Even if our children don’t find a particular topic interesting, you can trick them (just like hidden spinach in the smoothie). For example, last week, my first grader informed me that he did not want to study on the weekends when I attempted to assist him with spelling. And he was really adamant about it. Then he saw I was engaged in a word game and politely requested to join in. He became so absorbed that he forgot he was also improving his spelling skills. This way, you are setting an excellent example for your kid, and as we all know, children can pick up on their parents’ habits quickly.

a family doing a project together
One of the simplest ways to encourage learning is to involve the whole family in doing a fun project.

4. Make It A project

If your kid enjoys dismantling items, you should gather damaged small appliances and give them a chance to do just that as part of a project. If your kid enjoys making things out of fabric and thread, let them be creative with it! Nothing beats the joy of building something with Legos or working on a family project together.

Even moving to a new place can be perceived as a family project. Besides all the activities it involves and many of which you can do together, you should take the opportunity to explain why the move and the change of school is necessary. To help them adapt easier, explain to your kids how important attending a good school is using the language they can understand. And tell your kid you think the world of them and that you have faith in them.

5. Bring Them Places

You don’t have to take them to a museum necessarily. Your youngster may learn a lot from a visit to a working post office or bakery or even just a stroll in the woods. Allow them to see the building process by stopping by several construction sites. While taking your kids to see plays, sports games, dances, and cultural events is fantastic, don’t forget that even the mundane things going on in your community might spark their curiosity and interest in learning. But be sure to be attentive and answer all questions they might have, even if they are silly, to the best of your ability.

a dad playing with his daughter outside
Kids can often find the littlest of things fascinating.

Alt: a dad playing with his daughter outside

Caption: Kids can often find the littlest of things fascinating.

6. Give Them Incentives

The pride your kid will feel after solving a problem, spelling out a word, or attempting something new is a great payoff for the time and effort you put into promoting their education. Make sure to reward them for their hard work, even when they struggle to find an answer. These simple ways to encourage learning are enough to spark an interest in them. Just remember to let them learn at their own pace. Encourage them to keep trying even if they get a poor outcome since the learning process is more important than the solution.

Make talking about learning a regular part of your interactions with your kid. You may help satisfy their insatiable need for information by discussing your ideas and theories with them or consulting reference materials together. Ask them free-form questions about topics that fascinate them.

People might lose out on learning opportunities when they focus too much only on mathematics, reading, and sitting still. You don’t want to risk stifling your children’s natural curiosity and enthusiasm for learning. If you set the stage for learning at every turn, you won’t even have to spend a lot of time sitting down and making them write for hours.

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Guide To Setting A Good Example For Your Kids

A father throwing his toddler into the air while the child is smiling.

Being a parent is the most important task you’ll ever have since you are in charge of shaping a member of the next generation. However, this is easier said than done. Even if you’ve read all of the parenting books out there, nothing can make you a perfect parent since such a thing does not exist. But by setting a good example for your kids, you will teach them core lessons they will take with them throughout their lives. Follow this simple guide, and you will see your child blossom by following in your footsteps.

Show and talk about your feelings

Although you should be the rock your children can lean on, you shouldn’t be afraid to show some weakness. Showing your feelings and being vulnerable with your children is incredibly beneficial for their growth since they will learn feelings are a normal part of life. This means you should share all sorts of feelings with them, whether it is about how difficult diabetes can be for you or how sad you are your family dog passed away. Be vocal about how you feel. However, do not burden them with your negative feelings to the point they’ll feel responsible for making you feel better.

Do not let emotions overwhelm you

Do you want your teenager to manage their emotions better? Well, then you should do the same! It is essential to start with this early on so they have a role model to go off of. However, it is never too late. Whenever you feel any emotion, be careful how you express it and how you act because of it. The child should learn that even though you may be angry, you are not responding violently or negatively. The same goes for any other emotion, even positive ones. Do not repress your feelings, simply manage them better for your and your child’s sake. This way, your kids will have a suitable guide to follow whenever they feel angry, unhappy, annoyed, or stressed.

Ask for their help whenever possible

Asking for their help whenever you can is a terrific method to teach your kids essential life skills and to let them know that it is ok to ask for help when necessary. The tasks you ask them to help you with should be adapted based on their age and capabilities. For example, if you are packing for a move, State to State Move advises you to ask your child for help. You could tell them you are stressed about the move and need help packing their room. Afterward, help them pack their items and teach them how to do so. Other tasks like cooking, cleaning, and organizing can also be thought of by giving them simple tasks they can achieve. However, always preface it by asking them for their valuable help.

Take care of your health

Your health is your wealth. This is why, starting at an early age, you must instill in your child the importance of caring for their physical health. The best way to do so is by teaching and reinforcing healthy habits. Do you want them to eat healthy foods? Then prepare yummy, healthy foods for the whole family. Do you want them to exercise daily? Then go on family walks and show them how much you value your health as well. Going to sleep on time, taking care of your hygiene, and having regular checkups are just a few things they can learn from your example.

A mother, father, and child cutting up fruits and vegetables in the kitchen.
Cooking healthy food with them is an amazing way of setting a good example for your kids.

Ask for their opinion

If you want to raise self-assured kids who will openly express their thoughts, it is crucial to teach your kids that their opinions count. Anytime you can get their viewpoint. For instance, if you want to remodel their room, find out what colors they prefer. Follow through with their decision or make compromises until you come to a reasonable solution that you can both agree on. You can ask them for minor or significant choices depending on their age. However, know that this means they will come to you with their opinions even if you haven’t asked. Moreover, since they are a unique person, you must accept them if they hold views that differ from your own.

Explain the decisions they may not like

No matter what, there will come a time you will have to make a decision they may not like. You might want them to brush their teeth before bed, sleep or have a doctor’s checkup. Whatever the case, you must talk to them and explain your reasoning behind these decisions. Tell them brushing their teeth will keep them healthy, they need their sleep so they can play tomorrow, and they will feel better when the doctor helps. They may not like the reasoning. However, you will be setting an excellent example for your kids by giving them the reasons behind your decisions.

Admit when you are in the wrong

Everybody makes mistakes; however, you must take accountability for them and admit when you are wrong. So, if you genuinely want to set a good example for your kids, you must tell them that even you can make a mistake. Furthermore, show them you are willing to become and do better. This will instill in them the knowledge that they should always accept responsibility for their mistakes and that doing so will help them grow as a person.

A mother talking to her toddler while her baby is strapped to her chest.
You will build a stronger bond with your children if you admit when you are wrong.

Be kind to others

The last thing you must remember to do when setting a good example for your kids is to be kind to others. Show them how you care for others around you, compliment others sincerely, listen to others, give gifts to those you care about, and always be kind. They will learn from your example, and this will help them in everyday situations such as meeting new people or adjusting to a new school. If they are at the right age, you may even show compassion by volunteering together and helping others in need.

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6 Habits That Increase The Risk Of Diabetes

Be aware and try to avoid these 6 habits that increase the risk of diabetes.

Let’s face it; it can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle when you’re surrounded by temptation. And there’s something to satisfy every taste: sweets, salty snacks, fast food, etc. Plus, they are everywhere. You see them at the supermarket, at the pastry shop near your office, in the hands of the person sitting next to you on the bus, and so on. Of course, nobody is forbidding you from indulging every once in a while. However, please don’t fall into the trap of making a habit out of it. And it’s not just because this can cause obesity, but it can also cause diabetes and many other health issues. So, it’s time to renew your vow to stay healthy and try to avoid these 6 habits that increase the risk of diabetes.

No. 1 Skipping Breakfast

We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Unfortunately, when you’re in a rush to prepare your kids’ lunch boxes, get them to school and get yourself to work in the mornings, you usually end up skipping breakfast. But no matter how hard it is, you should make time for this. 

When you skip breakfast, you are much more tempted to eat fatty foods or overeat at lunch. On the one hand, this can cause weight gain. On the other hand, it causes an imbalance in your blood sugar and insulin levels. This, in turn, can result in diabetes.

Recent studies have shown that eating a healthy breakfast can reduce the risk of diabetes by 30%. So, don’t underestimate its importance. If you have no other option, at least make a healthy smoothie and drink it at the office. However, it is highly recommended to take the time and eat right. Consider eggs, fruit, and whole-grain for a rich breakfast.

A healthy breakfast consisting of whole-grain and fresh fruit.
Skipping breakfast is one of the top 6 habits that increase the risk of diabetes.

No. 2 Making Unhealthy Food Choices

We all know the theory that an unhealthy diet causes a lot of health issues. But unfortunately, many people still ignore this warning. You should know that research shows that eating highly processed foods can increase the risk of diabetes by up to 15%. And the same goes for refined carbs. All of these products are easily absorbed by your body, so you feel hungry sooner. Thus, you end up often snacking, which causes weight gain. This, in turn, can lead to insulin resistance and an increase in your blood sugar levels.

Therefore, having a healthy diet is essential in preventing diabetes and other health issues. So, focus on non-starchy vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, broccoli), whole grains (oats and brown rice), and fruit (cranberries, blueberries, strawberries). Apart from including these ingredients in your main courses, you should also include them in your snacks. Some great healthy snack ideas are out there, such as homemade protein bars or chia seed pudding.

A tomato and spinach salad.
To prevent diabetes, opt for a healthy diet that includes non-starchy vegetables such as spinach and tomatoes.

No. 3 Drinking Too Many Sugary Drinks

Studies have shown that sugary drinks are one of the leading causes of obesity in America. Moreover, they can increase the chance of diabetes by 26%. And the reason for this is that they contain empty calories that have absolutely no nutritious value. So, when you are thirsty, you should stay clear of them. Instead, opt for water. And if you still long for juice, go for fresh fruit juice or unsweetened ice tea.

A person holding a glass of water.
Sugary drinks can cause obesity and diabetes, so drink water instead.

No. 4 Going To Bed Late

The side effects are just as harmful whether you’re losing your nights partying or working. And don’t be fooled into thinking that those 8 hours of sleep during the day compensate for the night. How long you sleep is just as important as when you go to bed. Research shows that this bad habit causes an imbalance in your blood sugar levels and low insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, poor sleep also disrupts your metabolism and affects your body’s production and use of insulin. A good piece of advice is to stay away from screens for at least one hour before going to bed and read a book instead.

No. 5 Emotional Eating

Emotional eating is a significant concern. The main problem is that you tend to overeat when you’re feeling depressed. And it’s not just that, but you also tend to crave unhealthy food. All of this leads to weight gain and disrupts your blood sugar levels. Of course, everyone goes through rough times; you can’t avoid that. However, you should rely on your family and friends to get you through those rough patches to prevent emotional eating.

However, emotional eating is not only liked to depression but also stress. And the problem goes even further than that. When you’re stressed, your body releases more cortisol, which increases glucose production, leading to high blood sugar levels. 

So, to decrease the risk of diabetes, the advisors at homegrownmoving.com recommend avoiding stressful activities as much as possible. One option here would be to delegate. For example, to avoid a stressful move, hire some professionals to help you. Or ask your colleagues at work to help you with the workload.

No. 6 Being Inactive

One of the top 6 habits that increase the risk of diabetes is being inactive. Sitting all day at the office, then in your car, and finally in front of the TV at home is extremely unhealthy. Apart from causing weight gain and diabetes, it can even cause heart disorders and mental health issues. So, you shouldn’t take this lightly. Try to make time for a bit of exercise. For example, the American Diabetes Association advises everyone to walk or exercise for at least half an hour every day. You can do this even if you’re stuck at the office. Take short breaks to move around and do a bit of stretching.

A Piece Of Advice

Avoiding these bad habits will decrease the risk of diabetes but won’t eliminate it. So, besides having a healthy lifestyle, you should also get tested regularly. Furthermore, look out for the early signs of diabetes. These include fatigue, increased hunger, extreme thirst, blurred vision, and mood swings. So, make sure you contact your doctor if you have any concerns.

Conclusion

An unhealthy lifestyle can cause many health issues. And two of the most common issues Americans currently face are weight gain and diabetes. This is not at all surprising when you bump into delicious unhealthy treats at every corner. However, you should do your best to avoid them as much as possible. Plus, there are other contributing factors as

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7 Signs of Diabetes You Should Pay Attention To

A glucose meter surrounded by sweets.

Did you know that 37.3% of Americans are diagnosed with diabetes right now? That is, 1 in 10 people in America have diabetes. And, according to some health statistics, approximately 1 in 5 people don’t even know they have it until their health gets permanently damaged by this disease. This is usually the case with type 2 diabetes – diabetes with very mild symptoms that need years to develop. Type 1 diabetes, on the other hand, has intense symptoms that happen rather quickly. 

Type 1 diabetes, as we have said, can be recognized instantly, but, type 2 can be tricky to discover. Thus, today, we will talk about some early signs of diabetes you should pay attention to. Reacting early (going to your doctor) can be a life-saver in this situation! So, if you have some, or all, of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor.  

What is Diabetes? 

Before we start talking about the signs of diabetes you should pay attention to, let us first explain what diabetes is. Namely, diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is when the sugar from the food you eat can’t be converted into energy. When we eat sugars, our body converts them into glucose and, using blood vessels, carries them through the body so that blood cells can convert them into energy needed for a healthy life. 

To convert sugars into glucose, our body uses the hormone called insulin. With diabetes, our bodies can’t produce insulin or our cells become utterly immune to it which results in high sugar levels. 

Type 1 diabetes, in the majority of cases, develops early in life. How it develops is not yet known. Some experts believe that type 1 diabetes is genetically predisposed, but, that has not been proven. Type 2 diabetes, however, happens because of poor life choices – unhealthy diet and no exercising. 

A text diabetes
Living with diabetes is possible, you just have to make some lifestyle changes.

Signs of Diabetes 

And now, let us talk about some of the most common signs of diabetes you should pay attention to. Again, if you notice having these symptoms, talk to your doctor – if you catch your disease early, managing it can be quite easy. 

1. Extreme Thirst and Frequent Urination 

Extreme thirst is one of the most common signs of diabetes. People with diabetes also say that no matter how much they drink water throughout the day, they will always feel dehydrated. This extreme thirst typically results in frequent urination. 

But, sometimes, we can have frequent urination without extreme thirst. When your sugar levels are high, they go to our kidneys which then ‘spill’ them into the urine. 

2. Increased Hunger 

Increased hunger, or polyphagia, is also a very early and a very common sign of diabetes. Just as previously said, when we eat, our bodies turn what we eat into glucose and use that glucose to feed our cells. With diabetes, this system doesn’t work and results in persistent hunger. 

There is a common diabetes myth that people who have this condition must have a special diet in order to live. That is true, but only in some cases. Namely, to live with diabetes, you don’t have to cut all those delicious foods from your diet. All you have to do is ensure you have healthy meals throughout the day and avoid only those foods that are too rich in sugars and salts. 

A woman eating donuts
Constantly feeling hungry may be an early sign of diabetes.

3. Fatigue 

In today’s world, we all feel fatigued. But, feeling fatigued too much and too often is one of the most common signs of diabetes. Why it occurs is still not known. However, doctors believe that we feel fatigued because our blood cells can produce enough energy. 

With fatigue, doing day-to-day tasks may be extremely challenging. But, if you keep your illness under control, you can easily get rid of this symptom and continue living as before. There is no need to be afraid of exerting, walking, or doing some big life events such as moving, for example. Of course, if you need help moving, you can always turn to experts from Four Winds KSA, but, as long as you are following your doctor’s orders, you will be okay to pack those boxes and carry them to your moving truck. 

4. Frequent Infections 

We all get infections from time to time. They are annoying, but an integral part of our lives. Getting them once (or even twice) a year is perfectly normal. But, getting them often is a sign of diabetes – especially type 2 diabetes. Infections you can get can be bacterial, fungal, or yeast. And, you can get them on any part of your body (outside and inside).

5. Blurred Vision

In most cases, high blood sugar levels can affect the blood vessels in our eyes and cause blurred vision. When you treat diabetes properly and on time, this blurriness will go away. However, if you don’t do anything, you may develop a more serious condition (diabetic retinopathy) which can lead to blindness. 

Diabetes, both type 1 and type 2, can often lead to many other serious conditions. Even if early symptoms don’t seem serious, everything can change overnight. That is why it is important to talk about diabetes to your doctor! 

A woman holding her head.
Don’t wait for your symptoms to develop even further – treat them instantly.

6. Unintended Weight loss 

We all want to lose a couple of pounds. But, if we are losing them without trying, that is, without making any life changes, that may be diabetes. Diabetes causes sugars from our food to go directly to the urine and keeps them away from other organs and cells that need it to function properly and to maintain weight. 

Unintended weight loss is one of the most common signs of type 2 diabetes. Of course, you can experience this condition with other illnesses, but, if you are losing weight and experiencing symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, you most likely have diabetes. 

7. Mood Changes 

One of the last but certainly not least signs of diabetes you should pay attention to is constant mood change. This is because blood sugar is closely connected to our mental health. So, if something is wrong with blood sugar, something will also be wrong with our mental health. Mood changes you can experience with diabetes (especially with type 2) are constant and severe irritability, worry, and anxiety.

It is important to know that having diabetes (either type 1or 2) is not a death sentence! Many people live with this condition normally. But, to reach that level of normality, you must consult your doctor and make some lifestyle changes, just as mentioned many times before. So, if you notice some of these common signs of diabetes, you know what to do. 

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Why It Is Important to Talk About Your Diabetes

A woman talking to a man about her diabetes while in the kitchen.

Guest post by Jassica Mendez

Controlling your diabetes takes up a lot of time, and it’s likely that discussing it is the last thing on your mind. You may prefer to manage your diabetes on your own terms, without the assistance of others. On the other hand, if you’ve recently been diagnosed, you might need some time to process everything that comes with this chronic disease. Everyone’s circumstance is unique, and talking about it can be difficult, especially when it concerns your own health. It is also possible that you still don’t understand your own feelings about it. It is, however, necessary for a variety of reasons. If you need motivation or want to find a purpose as to why you should talk about your diabetes, we understand, and we are here to help.

It will help other people understand what you’re going through

Opening up about what they are going through, no matter how minor or major, can be difficult for some people. After all, some of us may have grown accustomed to handling challenging situations independently. Allowing others into our lives and sharing our daily challenges, on the other hand, can help them comprehend our frustrations, moods, and overall way of life. When it comes to discussing your diabetes, this is no exception. Diabetes, whether we like it or not, is an important aspect of our lives and should be discussed with people around us.

Although experts familiar with this challenging illness and the way it affects our lives understand what we’re going through, loved ones may require further assistance. Thus, personal trainers from DubaiPT advise you to teach your loved ones about diabetes, your symptoms, and how they might be able to assist you. Allow them to ask questions, address any worries, and express how much you appreciate their desire to learn more. However, keep in mind that, like you, they may need some time to process this information. 

A view of a person's hands holding a glucose meter and a thin blue ribbon.

It can even be a real eye-opener for you

Even if you don’t believe it at first, talking about your diabetes can help you better understand yourself. The way you speak about a subject like this may mirror your inner views, and expressing them might help you put things in perspective, especially if you’re talking about it with your child. The way you simplify it and explain it can be a real eye-opener to how you actually view the illness yourself.

 Simply saying the words aloud can aid in processing your thoughts. It can help you break free from a cycle of worrying, allowing you to feel less stressed. It may also help you identify and rectify a negative mindset you have about diabetes. Furthermore, by having someone listen and inquire about it, you will learn more about the topic itself since you may need to do some research to respond.

A woman sitting at a desk writing things down on a notepad near her laptop.
While talking about your diabetes can help you better understand yourself, be sure to keep note of what you learn.

It will help you find more support

By being open with people about your diabetes, you will be left with even more support. After all, how can someone help you when they don’t know you need help? They may help in various ways, such as helping you with some tasks, so you have less on your plate.

Alternatively, you may be fine on your own but need a simple hug to get through the day.

Open up to people around you, and you may be surprised by how many people can relate to or know someone that struggles with the same thing. Even while those not suffering from the same illness can support you, it may be more beneficial to speak with someone who has diabetes. Connecting with other individuals who have diabetes can help you make positive adjustments and work through daily obstacles like feeling nervous about your blood sugar levels or trying to figure out when to take your injections. You will know you’re not alone and that other people are dealing with the same issues by opening up.

Sharing your experience with diabetes with others may even inspire you to support yourself more. You could, for example, look into meal plans for diabetics that are catered to your very own dietary requirements. Since many healthy options are available, you are sure to find some that work for you. It would be best to be your very own support through any challenge life throws your way.

A group of 4 people standing near a cliff looking at the sunset.
Build your own support group to help you get through each day.

It will replace myths with knowledge

There is nothing worse than dealing with something and people around you being misinformed about it. The proper way to rectify this issue is to talk about your diabetes openly and replace myths with knowledge. Most people, especially those close to you, will be thrilled about learning more and debunking harmful myths.

You have the option of debunking these beliefs in a variety of ways. Most people may prefer to research the disease and share what they’ve learned. On the other hand, others may want to include their loved ones when researching. If all else fails, you may bring them to different diabetes education classes so you can both learn something new.

No matter what method you choose, you all will be left with a better understanding of diabetes. This will benefit you and anyone you can share this knowledge with.

It will help raise awareness

 The diabetes community marks Diabetes Awareness Month every November with events, fundraisers, and initiatives to educate the public and raise awareness about the disease. However, even if it isn’t November, you should try your best to help raise awareness. Of course, you may have different levels of awareness depending on where you are in your diabetes journey. This, however, shouldn’t stop you from talking about your diabetes and your personal experience with it.

Since diabetes affects roughly 463 million people worldwide, it is a topic that should be discussed often. You can educate individuals who may not be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, or treatment alternatives. And who knows, if you talk about your diabetes openly, you may even help someone prevent or delay prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. 

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How To Talk To Your Child About Diabetes

Glucose meter surrounded by sweets on a blue surface

Guest post by Jassica Mendez

If your child has been diagnosed with diabetes at such a tender age, we understand it can be frightening. Even though it can be hard to explain that they have a life-long condition, there are ways you can help them feel more confident and understand the issue better. Having this condition doesn’t mean kids can’t be kids. On the contrary, your kid’s confidence, good health, and understanding start with having an open and positive conversation. For instance, there are numerous sugar-free cookie recipes and delicious treats, so don’t think they’ll miss all the fun. The article below shares some things to keep in mind if you wish to talk to your child about diabetes and make their diagnosis feel manageable.

What to keep in mind if you want to talk to your child about diabetes

All changes we experience throughout our lives can be overwhelming and even shocking. Each change our family faces should be taken under great thought and honest conversation. Parenting a child diagnosed with diabetes isn’t easy, especially if you’re trying to manage other family obligations like preparing for a long-distance move or home renovations. That’s why it’s crucial to have a plan in place to guide you. This way, you’ll make sure you’re all ready for the moving day, and your child will know what to expect along the way, especially when it comes to their medication and nutrition.

Above all, you will have to find a way to explain they will need to follow a particular meal plan, monitor their glucose levels, and take insulin shots. Their condition is here to stay, so you will all need to make changes to your lives be empathetic and patient until it becomes a routine. This is why you need to learn about their condition so you’ll be able to explain it to them. Here’s some advice to help you have an effective conversation.

Remain honest

First and foremost, it’s crucial to always tell the truth to your child. Then, if they start asking questions, be sure you give them answers, even the unpleasant ones. Getting all of your questions answered helps everyone feel more in control and learn more about the condition itself.

Another common situation is that kids feel they’ve done something wrong and got this diagnosis. For that reason, we as parents must make it clear this isn’t the case.

Finally, you need to make sure they know their diabetes isn’t going away and that you will all need to learn how to live your best lives with keeping it manageable. At this point, your child might feel upset and sad. This is where it’s important to welcome these emotions and tell them it’s okay they think this way. Encourage them to talk about it openly and share any doubts or frustrations they might have.

Stay positive

How we handle certain situations reflects on our kids, especially if they’re young. This is why we need to make sure we sent the right message:

Their diabetes is here to stay. You will need to learn the ways to manage it. Luckily, together you can get it under control.

When you discuss your child’s condition, it’s vital to be supportive and make these open conversations a part of your everyday life. Regular talk is what normalizes the situation. You will help your kid understand that it’s possible to keep their condition under control with proper management, mindful care, and live a normal life.

A positive father laughing with his daughter, which is crucial if you want to talk to your child about diabetes
It’s essential to remain positive when you want to talk to your child about diabetes.

Here are some ways you can encourage your young child with diabetes.

  • Praise them each time they pick out a healthy snack.
  • Praise them when they finish their dinner. 
  • Compliment them each time they take on some self-care responsibilities.

Our kids look to us for guidance, so how we deal with their condition affects how they feel and act. For example, if we overreact and get angry about their high sugar levels, our children can be less honest about their sugar readings in the future.

Be informed

Another vital thing is to stay on top of the latest diabetes care information and pass it on to your child. You can use this opportunity to make this a fun learning experience for both you and your child and not feel pressured to become an expert in the field right away.

Be excited to find out some types of sweets will still be on the menu, that they still can play, exercise, and have fun like their friends, but that insulin is a necessity. 

A glucose meter, a blue ribbon, and dice saying diabetes.
Making diabetes less scary and a fun learning process can help minimize the fear your child might feel.

Be supportive

Finally, being diagnosed with diabetes can be confusing and stressful. This is why it’s essential to educate the whole family about the matter and involve everyone in your child’s journey. 

If you have other children who don’t have this diagnosis, it would be good to discuss why keeping a healthy lifestyle is essential to everyone, not just those with diabetes. Try to include each family member in meal and activity plans so your kid with a diagnosis doesn’t feel left out or special in a negative sense.

Having involved family members is a crucial part of managing diabetes throughout childhood.

Age-appropriate conversations about diabetes

Finally, here are some tips on how to talk to your child about diabetes according to their age.

  1. Infants and toddlers don’t understand why they need to have their fingers poked. Making this a daily routine will help, like diaper changes or naps. In addition, it would help perform diabetes care gently and quickly and be soothing and reassuring afterward.
  2. Preschool kids will also rely on their parents for diabetes care. However, you can explain the care-related obligations in simple terms, so they know what’s happening. It could also help to give them some sense of control by, for example, asking them which finger they want to use for the glucose test. 
  3. Kids in school should learn how to take on some of their diabetes care but with parental guidance. It’s vital to remain supportive and not push your child, but allow them to take on new responsibilities gradually. It’s also this age when they might start feeling sensitive about being different from their peers. It would help if you understood these temporary setbacks and avoided being overprotective. You could also emphasize that once they take responsibility for their diabetes care, it will be easier to attend different parties and have sleepovers.
  4. Teenagers are the ones that could make poor decisions about their diabetes care due to peer pressure. This is when you should talk about drugs, sexuality, alcohol, and how this can affect their condition. Just keep in mind there’s a fine line between lecturing and offering support. This is why it would help if you approached your child in a caring manner. 
A mother and daughter taking a walk and talking about diabetes
When wanting to discuss diabetes with your kid, it’s essential to keep their age in mind.

Final thoughts on how to talk to your child about diabetes

Finally, when you are preparing to talk to your child about diabetes, it could help if you found a support group to help you connect with other parents and kids in the same condition. Talking to your kids about their condition can be difficult at any age. However, keeping the communication honest and open is the key. The more you speak to them about it, the more prepared they’ll be for taking care of their diabetes when you’re apart. 

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Snack Ideas for Kids with Diabetes

snack ideas for kids with diabetes

Controlling diabetes is impossible without a good meal plan. Since the main issue of this illness is the inability to transfer fuel into energy, you need to find ways to provide enough fuel to keep your organism going and keep sugar levels as normal as possible. In such cases, portion control is crucial for optimum functioning and preventing hyperglycemia. Ideally, kids with diabetes should have three meals a day, with 2-3 snacks in between. Keeping the meals moderate and adding small snacks every couple of hours will help you get it under control. Having 10 -15 grams of carbohydrates, healthy fats, and proteins can help you achieve that goal. Luckily, there are many snack ideas for kids with diabetes that will make their strict dietary regimen fun and tasty!

The healthiest snacks for diabetes are the simplest ones

The main purpose of any snack is to be able to consume it on the go. In addition, it needs to provide a necessary kick start to your system between main meals and get sugar levels under control. You don’t need to spend hours preparing them in the kitchen or worry about serving them hot and cold. However, you need to make sure the snacks have quality ingredients with a low glycemic index and some protein value. Naturally, they need to be low in sugar and, if possible, have some healthy fats. The best type of snack is a combination of:

  •  Vegetables: lettuce, spinach, eggplant, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, snow peas, etc.
  • Fruits: cherry, plum, peach, pear, kiwi, orange, grapefruit, apples, and most berries.
  • Lean meats: lamb, veal, pork, poultry without the skin, fish, or most processed meats with less than a gram of fat per ounce.
  • Nuts: peanuts, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, cashews.
  • Yogurts and cheeses: Greek yogurt, Icelandic yogurt, non-salty cheese in mindful portions.
diverse snacks for people with diabetes
People with diabetes can consume most of the food as long as they’re being rational with portioning.

How to make healthy snacks fun?

Remember when you were a kid, and your parents made you eat healthy vegetables? It wasn’t much fun, was it? Your children probably share the same opinion. Therefore, you’ll need to get creative in motivating them to eat the right kinds of snacks. Some of the things you can do are:

  1. Dip the fruit bits in dark chocolate – every kid loves chocolate, even if it has low sugar content.
  2. Be creative with the vegetable mix – arranging them in a fun way or making the food colorful might be appealing to your kid.
  3. Make perfect bites – combine different healthy snacks in tiny arrangements.
  4. Ask your kids about their favorite ingredients – mix them up with less preferred eats to achieve a good balance and make it easy on your kid.

Another great way to interest your kid in snacks is to prepare them together! Every child loves projects, and their mind is bursting with creativity and smart ideas. Thus, give your little one a chance to prepare the food independently. All you need to do is observe or equally participate, providing occasional guidance when mixing ingredients. This is an excellent way of helping kids engage with food. In addition, learning how to make simple snacks and meals will teach them independence early.

a mother and children trying healthy snacks for kids with diabetes
There is nothing more important for your child than spending quality moments with the family.

Avoid forcing them to eat food they dislike

Stress is the main trigger for diabetes in kids. Being exposed to traumatic events or changes in the environment, like relocation to another home, can significantly impact your child’s health, triggering or causing diabetes. Thus, you need to help them adapt after the move and give them time to process all the changes. It might be challenging to inspire your child to eat fully healthy food at first, but today there are many tasty diabetes-friendly products that your kids will love.

Some of the favorite snack ideas for kids with diabetes

Yogurt with berries and nuts

One of the quickest and most delicious mixes there is. Simply mix an Icelandic or Greek yogurt with a handful of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or any type of berries your kid prefers. Add some chopped nuts, stir it up, and you’ll have the perfect healthy snack that you can also use instead of breakfast or a dessert.

The combination of active probiotic cultures from yogurt and proteins from berries and nuts will be great for your kid’s digestion. Moreover, it will provide enough energy to keep the right glucose levels in the system.

Chia seed pudding

Chia seeds do wonders for the metabolism because they are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium, and fibers. If used often, they can also serve as a powerful antioxidant. That being said, introducing chia seeds into your kid’s diet will bring many benefits.

Mix half a cup of chia seeds, 1/3 of a cup of cocoa powder, and a pinch of sea salt. Afterward, add one and a half cups of almond milk and stir it well until all the ingredients are blended. Leave it in the fridge for a few hours, or preferably overnight.

Homemade protein bars

Making your energy-rich sweets is very easy! And all you need is some chopped peanuts, half a cup of coconut flour, 1/4 of a low-carb vanilla protein powder, a teaspoon of Stevia, a cup of natural peanut butter, and 1/4 cup of sugar-free syrup. First, merge peanut butter with syrup and heat it for 2 minutes in the microwave, mixing until it evenly blends. After, add the dry ingredients – coconut flour, Stevia, and protein.

If the dough becomes too thick, add more syrup. However, if the mix is too wet, fix it with more coconut flour. When you achieve an optimum blend, press the batter onto the pan. Lastly, sprinkle it with chopped peanuts, and refrigerate for a couple of hours before serving. 

a gluten-free cookie and milk
No child will resist a good cookie! With diabetes-friendly sweets, you just need to be more creative with the ingredients.

Naturally, if you prefer trying out some old-school sugar-free cookie recipes instead, you certainly won’t disappoint your kid. 

Conclusion

These snack ideas for kids with diabetes can help you control the illness and make it easier for your kids. However, even though the dietary regime is consistent for diabetes, not everyone will have the same benefits. To be safe, consider your dietitian’s recommendation and approval of certain ingredients because there is more than one factor to consider when finding out what works best.