Healthy desserts for kids!

How many times has your child thrown a great tantrum simply because you refused to let him have the huge cup of ice cream after a meal? One too many? Well, we brought you a great compromise! We've listed several healthier dessert options that the kids would love but never guess that they are nutritious!

Obesity a definitive problem?

The percentage of obesity in kids here in Singapore has remained at about 12% in the past few years. Obesity is the result of an unbalanced diet, with the high consumption of fats. Excessive ingestion of sugar and fat laden food items lead to chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnoea and osteoarthritis. It also poses a dental threat if these kids are left to eat sugar-filled products without good dental hygiene habits.

However, entirely restricting the kids’ dietary intake also prove to be harmful. An American research on children ages six to ten years old, found that they burned considerably more fat relative to the amount of energy they used. Therefore, sufficient fat must be included in the diet for children to support normal growth and development. For children aged seven to 10, the recommended fat intake is 76.6g a day for boys, and 67.7g a day for girls.

Brush your teeth!

On the dental front, kids and adults alike are often told that sweets and sugar-filled desserts would cause harm to the teeth. However, Dr Chin Shou King, dental surgeon and director of T32 Junior at Camden Medical Centre says that it is alright for children to eat sweets and other sugary items as long as it is regulated.

At the launch of T32 dental clinic’s paediatric wing on June 25th, he said: ‘The important thing is the frequency of the sweets and when these sugary items are taken. For example, eating sweets and desserts after a meal is less harmful than eating it in between meals.

This is because there is more saliva in the mouth after the meal that dilutes the sugar content. Children with poor dental hygiene but continue to consume sugary products would end up with acid attacks to their teeth."

Say YES to healthy desserts!

Children and sugar are like bread to butter, parents often have a hard time controlling the sugar and dessert intake of their kids.

Since we have learnt that the key to any good children’s diet is balance, theAsianparent have sought out several healthier desserts for you and the little ones to choose from. Best of all, they would never guess that these desserts are highly nutritious!

1. Greek yogurt

With only about 1-10grams of sugar and less than 5grams of fat in each serving of Greek yogurt, it has gained quite a following in Singapore. Thicker, with a more consistent texture, it has also converted many non-lovers. Previously, Greek yogurt could only be bought in the supermarkets. However, now it can be bought fresh at Yogurt Place, Singapore’s only fresh Greek yogurt parlor.

It is believed that greek yogurt is one of the healthiest snacks and after-meal dessert choice around. It is high in calcium, low in fat and sugar with a high concentration of active cultures that aids in digestion. The one feature which draws in children to try Greek yogurt is the fact that it has a consistency very much like a soft serve ice cream. Kids and adults can also choose the different toppings according to their taste. The cookie crumble and fruit pebble are among one of their most popular offerings for the kids.

2. Sugar-free ice cream

Every parent’s worst nightmare is to have their kids screaming bloody murder simply because they have been refused ice cream. Most parents share the same concern – too much ice cream is bad for the health and teeth. However, if nutrition is your worry, fret not, because several ice cream parlors in Singapore are now offering sugar-free ice cream. And for mummies who are looking at losing that post-pregnancy weight, you and your little ones can now share a cup of ice cream, guilt-free.

As the name suggests, sugar-free ice cream contains absolutely no sugar that means there is no or little carbohydrates in it. For most ice cream parlors selling these sinless pleasures, the ice cream is also low in fat and calories. Scoopz at Parkway Parade has a relatively wide array of sugar-free ice cream with flavors such as chocolate, green tea, strawberry and coconut. Meanwhile, The Ice Cream Gallery at River Valley Road also offer similar fat-free options.

3. Snow cones

When in doubt, go back to your roots. Yes, we believe that some, if not most snow cones - or as they are more popular known here as ice-kachangs - are healthier than many desserts out there. It is also great icy cold treat for a warm day out!

When picking a more nutritious choice of snow cones, look out for those with no milk, little syrup and lots of fruits. One of the more popular snow cones or ice shavings place would be Mei Heong Yuen Dessert on Temple Street and in Ion Orchard. Their mango snow ice and strawberry snow ice are well loved by kids and adults alike. Snow cones are essentially made up ice shavings and toppings so help your kids choose a healthier topping instead.

We’re fairly certain there are more healthier dessert offerings out in the market. We need you to share with us your amazing nutritious finds! Tell us all about it.

Written by

Wafa Marican

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