Mumbai : Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd. recently organized an insightful webinar – ‘The Sweet Trap: Are Our Kids at Risk?’ – led by renowned Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia who is a founder of “Bounce the Pound with Dietitian Saloni”. The speaker shed light on critical insights about the issue of excessive sugar consumption among children, aiming to empower parents with knowledge and practical strategies for healthier living. It also suggested that schools bring fresh fruits, protein bars and healthy packaged products like makhana, nuts, quinoa puffs etc into their vending machines and canteens. The webinar was attended by both parents and educators from across the country.
Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia, with her decade of experience, gave a webinar on topic “The Sweet Trap: Are Our Kids at Risk?” She highlighted how sugar, once a treat, has become a daily habit, profoundly impacting children’s behavior, cognitive patterns, and overall growth. The session underscored sugar’s influence on mood, sleep, focus, and hormones, linking it to the alarming rise in conditions like PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and type 2 diabetes in younger populations, largely attributed to processed foods and inactive lifestyles.
An important portion of the discussion focused on identifying hidden sugars in common foods, with ketchup cited as a prime example. Ms. Saloni helped parents and educators with crucial three-step guide for reading food labels: scrutinizing ingredient lists for sugar aliases, examining total sugar content per 100 grams and assessing the overall complexity of ingredient lists.
The session also emphasized the strategies for gently reducing sugar intake, promoting portion control and balanced eating without labelling foods as “good” or “bad.” Parents were encouraged to be proactive role models, involving children in healthy food choices, and creating enjoyable eating rituals. Homemade alternatives to packaged juices, such as lemon water or buttermilk, were strongly recommended. In the discussion it was also recommended that the schools can replace sugary vending machine options with healthier alternatives like fresh fruits and protein bars as a vital investment in students health.
“It’s crucial for parents to understand that awareness, not fear, is our most powerful tool,” stated Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia. “Thanks to Target Learning Ventures for providing this valuable platform, we’re able to share this vital message. Sugar is everywhere and unavoidable, and its impact on our children’s physical and mental well-being is undeniable. By learning to read labels, making mindful swaps, and setting a healthy example, we can gently guide our children away from the ‘sweet trap’ towards a balanced and vibrant life. Healthier alternatives like jaggery or honey can be a better choice for sweetness, and combining reduced sugar intake with physical activity is key for overall health.”
Dilip Gangaramani, Founder Director & CEO of Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd., concluded, “At Target Learning Ventures, we are committed to fostering an environment where knowledge leads to empowerment. ‘The Sweet Trap’ session which is one of the sessions from our webinar series exemplifies our dedication to addressing critical issues impacting our community, especially our children. Providing platforms for experts like Dietitian Saloni Bhatt Koradia allows us to equip parents with the insights and tools needed to make informed decisions for their families’ long-term health goals. This effort is particularly timely, aligning perfectly with CBSE’s heightened focus on sugar awareness in schools and the national health priorities championed by Hon. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We look forward to hosting more such impactful sessions on diverse topics.”
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, reaffirming the audience’s engagement on the topic.
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