A Seven-Step Solution

Sugar and addiction are strongly linked. "While not deadly like heroin," writes DesMaisons, "sugar similarly affects beta-endorphin. It impacts the same neurochemical system as heroin, although not as intensely." And breaking that addiction can be a long and difficult process. DesMaisons understands that this is a problem faced not just in family's homes, but at school, and in the world at large. She suggests that the best way to approach finding a solution is to first focus on your family and home. Strive to make change there first, then supply your child with the tools to make healthy and smart food choices when she is out of your care.

The first true step is to take a look at your and your spouse's or partner's diet. "I've written four books, and this is the hardest book I've ever done," says DesMaisons of Little Sugar Addicts. "[This] is really about the parents and not the children."

DesMaisons suggests keeping a food journal and becoming aware of your role as nutrition model for your children. She gives the analogy of an oxygen mask on a distressed airplane: In case of an emergency, flight attendants tell us to first administer the oxygen masks to ourselves, then tend to family members or loved ones. This advice applies here as well; assess your own diet and sugar intake before you take steps to improve your child's diet.

DesMaisons lays out seven steps to fight sugar and its effects:

1. Eat breakfast with protein; and do it within the first hour of waking, suggests DesMaisons, to beat a drop in blood sugar.
2. Make connections between food and mood. Never reward a child with food—especially sweets.
3. Change snacks and drinks. Children under the age of 18 should eat every three hours to prevent a drop in blood sugar. In addition to good, well-balanced meals, your child should get several high-protein snacks throughout the day.
4. Eat protein lunches. Foods like cottage cheese, poultry and meats, eggs, and nuts are all essentials.
5. Shift to whole grain food. Cut any white flour breads and pastas from your diet.
6. Take out the sugar. ("Notice that taking out sugar is not step one. It is step six," writes DesMaisons.)
7. Take care of life. Relax, have fun, and spend time with your family.