Learn how to successfully make shifts around sugar in the classroom and on the field for kids at school this year!

DID YOU KNOW: Sugar-sweetened beverages contribute up to 15% of US children's caloric intake and are the primary source of added sugar in childhood and adolescent diets. Around two-thirds of U.S. youth consume one or more sugary drinks a day. (source, source)

When parents work together to limit sugar at school and at home, it's a win-win for everyone. Kids won't feel left out if they know everyone has the same goals - metabolic health for our littles. This also prevents sugar from becoming a competition between parents, with them trying to outdo each other with birthday treats and snacks on the field. By teaming up, parents can create a healthy environment for their kids, both inside and outside the classroom.

This time of year presents an ideal opportunity for me to initiate open communication with my children's teachers and coaches regarding our established boundaries on sugar consumption and other dietary preferences we wish to avoid.

The easiest time is now! Open the lines of communication in the beginning of the year or season and work together to set boundaries from the start rather than backtrack after sugar-filled rhythms begin to accelerate with the holidays. 

Parents, Let’s Set the Tone

If you’re worried about being the “un-fun” mom, I’ve been there! Thankfully, I’ve found most parents and teachers are relieved when I bring up sugar boundaries, and happy to have someone else start the conversation.

My request to reduce sugar has always been well received when delivered from a place of non-judgment and positivity. A good dose of empathy along with some light education turns teachers and coaches into allies.

That said, conversations like these can be tricky, and I want you to have everything you need to make these important conversations a success. One advantage to being a proactive parent is you get to set a positive and productive tone! First, with your child. Then, with teachers, coaches, and team parents. 

Talk to Your Child About Sugar Boundaries First

Explain to your child that you want to protect and nourish their body, which means sometimes saying no to certain foods and drinks. You don’t need to deep-dive into the science (unless, of course, they dig that!). Just a little prep to let them know you’ll be talking to teachers and coaches, laying down some boundaries from a place of love and care.

Talk to Teachers, Coaches, and Parents About Sugar Boundaries

After talking boundaries with your child, it’s time to clearly communicate with teachers, coaches, and team parents. It’s always easiest to share sugar boundaries prior to the chaos after a game or the morning when donuts show up in the classroom. Let them know you’ve spoken to your child regarding boundaries. Communicate yours clearly, and - most importantly - offer your alternative game plan.

You can pre-order my FREE guide for back-to-school boundaries around sugar below. For now, here are IRL ideas for what to bring to soccer and beyond! This is a list of kids' food and drink ideas I often use for my family…

Healthier Kids Food and Drink Alternatives

I stay stocked with better drink and snack options for my kids, ensuring I always have something to grab or pack on occasions when I know the sugary treats and drinks will abound.

Sport Snack Alternatives:

• Cuties (or orange slices) and beef sticks
• LMNT and individual sprouted seed packets
• Epic bars and watermelon wedges

Class Treat Alternatives:

My favorite candy/treat options have monk fruit, stevia, or allulose sugar (that doesn't impact blood sugar) or are made with less sugar and have less impact on blood sugar.

• Evolved Chocolate 
• The Good Chocolate Company
• Smart Sweets
• Hu Kitchen
• Lilly's 
• Choc Zero 
• Unreal
• Freezer fudge
  

Kids Drink Alternatives:

• Water! Sometimes we forget the simplest and easiest form of hydration
• Hint waters
• Uncle Matt’s lemonade
• No sugar electrolytes like LMNT - delicious, kid-friendly flavors my boys absolutely love! Use my link for a free LMNT sample pack with any purchase!

Kids Snack Alternatives:

• Flax crackers, Simple Mills, Mary’s Gone Crackers
• Serenity Kids pouches (use code FAB4) 
• Chomps or Paleovalley beef sticks 
• Thrive Market olive packs 
• Eat Poshi veggie packets 
• Brami lupini bean snacks 
• Lesser Evil organic popcorn snack packs

Note that almost every pre-made snack and treat mentioned above can also be purchased for a discount directly to your door from Thrive Market!

Homemade Treats:

If you’d like to make your own snacks, I have all sorts of delicious, blood sugar-balancing recipes HERE. To get you started, here are some faves: Refined Sugar-Free, Non-Dairy Chocolate Chip Protein Balls, Dairy Free Protein Perfect Bars or Homemade Granola Bars.

Pre-order my FREE guide to back-to-school boundaries around sugar including: 

• My 3-step strategy for creating boundaries around sugar at school and beyond
• A sugar free game plan: alternatives to sugar at school and in sports
• Easy to share science on kids’ health and sugar consumption. 
• The exact scripts I’ve used for everyone from schools to soccer teams when having the sugar boundary convo. 
• My suggested school and sports snack alternatives 
• More resources for less sugar!