Sugar Busters! for Kids (Hardcover)

~ Morrison C. Bethea (Author), Sam S. Andrews (Author), (Author), H. Leighton Steward (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

At first glance, Sugar Busters for Kids looks like a no-no. Aren't we supposed to encourage healthy eating but avoid putting our children on diets? However, if you can bring yourself to look past the hype, what you'll find here is actually a fairly sensible family eating plan that aims to improve overall health with the same changes recommended by your own family doctor: more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, and less animal fat and sugar, no matter what form that sugar takes.

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

From Publishers Weekly

The authors (of the bestselling Sugar Busters!) point out that childhood obesity has doubled in the past decade, and if this trend continues, heart disease, hypertension and diabetes will become serious health concerns for many of these youngsters. To reverse this trend, the authors promote a diet based on the consumption of low-glycemic carbohydrates (chart provided), lean meats, high-fiber vegetables, whole grains and fruits. The "terrible three" snacking staples soda, french fries, and candy are prohibited, and three servings of whole grains a day are recommended. The authors advise introducing new foods slowly but persistently. In one study, they note, it took 10 tries before kids would nibble on a new item. Noting that many parents aren't aware (or are unwilling to accept) that their children are overweight, the authors provide the formula for determining body mass index (BMI). Along with the straightforward, rather prosaic discussion of healthful eating, the book presents a variety of kid-friendly recipes, ranging from whole-wheat pizza to tofu shakes. The book includes a behavior modification chart to help children switch off sugar (activities or stickers, not food, are offered as rewards). This useful resource is sure to help parents entice kids who turn sour at the very thought of giving up sweets.

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books; 1st edition (August 21, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345445716
• ISBN-13: 978-0345445711
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #806,238 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fine Healthier Living Plan for Kids, August 23, 2001

By	Professor Donald Mitchell "Jesus Makes Me a P... (Boston) - See all my reviews (TOP 10 REVIEWER)

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!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for entire family, October 18, 2001

By A Customer

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.

11 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Understanding and using the Sugar Busters concept better!, February 25, 2002

By	Norman L. Antrainer (Covington LA USA) - See all my reviews

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.