I am really passionate about educating people and helping families to improve their diets and as part of this reduce their sugar intake. I believe in inspiring children from a young age to cook and get involved in the kitchen.
Planting the seeds of healthy eating needs to start early as this is when the foundations of their eating habits are formed. I also see more and more children and adults getting diagnosed with mental health issues, and ADHD, and believe that becoming sugar-aware and having a healthy diet may help the management of these.
Sugar is hidden in so many foods and, even if you cook from scratch, you are exposed to it - it is in ketchup, sauces, and other condiments that you buy from the shops. It is almost impossible to avoid. My children get given sweets and "treats" by other people at school and kids’ parties so it is even more important that we do the best we can at home, to keep the balance.
“You can control what you put on your plates at home”
Your circumstances, like income, the area you live in, your culture and family traditions all play a part in your relationship with sugar. If you’re short of money and time, and if you live in an area that has a fast-food chain nearby, you are more likely to consume more convenience food. We all know the issue with these foods, if consumed multiple times a week.
Eating a high sugar diet can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, mood swings, and a lack of important vitamins and nutrients that will lead to other problems too. The list goes on. There has been much research around how the environment you live in affects your health and eating habits. And while you might not be able to move away from it all, you can choose to control what you put on your plates at home.
“Making cooking fun is a great way to change your mindset”
Many people think it has to take hours and cost lots of money to cook a healthy meal. This is why I enjoy teaching people to cook to show them it doesn't have to be that way. People think they can't cook and therefore they think it’s a hassle. This makes them more likely opt for the same convenient dishes every week.
My advice is, concentrate on what is within your control, your budget, your time and what fits in with you and your family values. Making cooking fun is also a great way to change your mindset and make it all less of a burden. There are many free resources online with lots of great recipes to choose from. And if you need more help, contact people like me who can work with you on a personalised plan that suits your family.
“For a better future and health for our children, we have to keep going”
I love the work Sheffield is Sweet Enough does in helping families and schools to eat better. I love seeing how they do workshops at schools and advocate healthy eating. I contributed to a recipe book called The Sheffield Family Guide to Smart Sugar Swaps and wrote some recipes and top tips with my two daughters who have been super proud to be featured.
Seeing my girls talk about it and being proud to advocate healthy eating was the cherry on the top. Especially because my eldest was a fussy eater and me learning more about nutrition (and sugar) helped us get through this challenging period.
We even ran a stall at the local school for my children’s Christmas Fair where we sold bakes using the recipe book and sold many copies of it too. The book proceeds were donated to the school and used for a healthy eating activity.
The amazing work Sheffield is Sweet Enough do and the fact they let me get involved makes me feel part of a fantastic community. I left my corporate job recently and it was a big change from working for a law firm to teaching cooking and doing nutrition coaching. Brainstorming with the Sheffield is Sweet Enough team really helped with my transition. The photos they share of happy, smiling people shows me there is need for people like us, and for a better future and health for our children, we have to keep going.