Customer Reviews

Sugar Busters! for Kids

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This book will be most appealing to adults who have had success with the Sugar Busters! approach to weight control through reducing the amount of high glycemic foods (ones that raise insulin levels and thus slow down the metabolism) that they eat. Now, you will know how to integrate this approach for the whole family!

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!

We just loved this book. We have been followers of the Sugar Busters concept for over five years and have never been healthier. Since reading the original Sugar Busters book, we have been concerned about all the sugar and processed carbohydrates that children eat these days. This book has really allowed us the share the benefits we have received with our children. The book is informative and easy to read and the illustrations are great, but one of our favorite things about the book is the recipes which, I might add, are not just for children. They are great for the whole family.

Since reading this book I've had solid sucess in weight loss and am eating healtheir and feeling better. The book Sugar Busters for Kids did accomplish several key elements in my personal weight loss program.

This book helped me greatly to understand the "why" of my life long struggle with weight and obesity. It has given me a tool in the understanding of "how" certain foods affect my wieght loss. And it has provided me with the "what" to eat and feel good at the same time.

The Glycemic Index Tables provided an easy and useful referance to the everyday control of my diet and food intake. Dr. Andrews and team have made the concept easier to understand and workable.

The recipes work, and I love the use of Creole seasoning to put flavor into some of the dishes.

My daughter who is a sophmore in college also uses the info found in this book very helpful.

This book should be included in every dieters libray, know matter what the age.

This book is a pretty good guideline for eating healthy. It offers information on the best choice foods for getting the most out of your calories, and is an easy read. I don't fully buy into the philosophy though, because how can you push natural whole grain choices and then condone putting artificial sweeteners in your food? It seems contradictory to me.