Everything that children learn as children, the habits they acquire, the values with which they grow up, mark the foundations of what their adult life will be like. Therefore, it is very important to educate them from a very young age so that they can grow healthily in every way. Food is one of the fundamental pillars of lifeIf she does, life is not possible and that is how it should be instilled in children.
The problem is that on many occasions food is used as a method of fun, distraction, satisfaction and even as a reward. Although it is fine because eating is pleasant, activates the senses and provides immediate pleasure, it is necessary not to lose sight of the true meaning of food. Food is necessary to live, but in no case should food be allowed to control your life.
This is what happens when an addiction occurs, which generally when talking about food refers to sweets, sugar or, as is the case, chocolate. That you like chocolate and every day you allow yourself to take a little, it can even be beneficial because it is a food with good nutritional characteristics. The problem comes when it is not possible to pass if that piece, without that ration that becomes a habit that conditions life.
And this is something that often occurs in children and with increasing frequency. Chocolate, sweets, and sugar products are used as a reward and children get used to it until they become an addiction. If your child is hooked on chocolate and doesn't get it every day, may feel the same characteristics as a person who is addicted to other substances.
What do I do if my child is addicted to chocolate
If your child is irritable when he can't have chocolate when he wants it or can't have it every day, he may have a small problem that can be solved. The good thing about this type of addiction is that chocolate is a healthy food, when it is a natural and pure product without excess sugar. Because that's where the problem lies, the child is not really addicted to chocolate but to sugar containing.
That's the way it is in most cases and to check it you just have to give another type of chocolate to try. It is not necessary to suddenly give it an almost pure chocolate, you can try a percentage of 50 or 70% cocoa. If the child takes it and likes it, you can be calm because he really likes the taste of cocoa and in that case it is a food with many health benefits.
Otherwise, and what happens in most cases is that the child, when tasting cocoa with little sugar, rejects it, because it is not sweet and it is not what his palate is accustomed to. In which case, in addition to controlling the consumption of chocolate, you should add a reduction in sugar products. Because that's where the problem lies, since sugar does have negative effects when consumed in excess.
How to reduce cravings for chocolate
Reduce the consumption of chocolate at home, avoid buying it every day and always have it in the pantry so as not to create anxiety in the child. Substitute milk chocolate for other options with a low amount of sugar and fat, so that the child takes the cocoa as pure as possible and in small quantities. Duces are not necessary on a diet and therefore its consumption is only recommended occasionally.
If you consider that your child is drinking too much chocolate and it is difficult for you to reduce the amounts because he is irritated or his behavior is altered, Go to the pediatrician so he can assess the situation. And above all, be aware that it is a problem that can be dealt with with patience, perseverance and understanding.