Forbidden fruit_其他_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Forbidden fruit

2. The forbidden fruit is indeed sweeter. So when children ask for snacks or junk food, experts tell parents that it is better to give them a little than to deny them altogether.

And that is what Beryl Tan does when her 10-year-old daughter asks for something sweet. Tan, 43, a manager, says: “My daughter loves sweets, chocolates, biscuits and cakes.”

So when the girl asks for sweet stuff, she says she will consider it. “If she hasn’t had something sweet in two weeks, or if she’s going to a party and can share her sweets with others, I would say yes. Otherwise, I would tell her no.”

Saying “no” straightaway to sweet treats or unhealthy snacks will only make children desire them more, says dietitian Jaclyn Reutens from Aptima Nutrition & Sports Consultants.

Instead, it is better to allow kids some junk food within limits – tell them how often it can be eaten and how much is allowed.

She says: “Give them a choice when they ask for it – ask them if they would like to have it now or later. If they insist on it there and then, tell them that the next round will have to be the next day or the day after, depending on whatever rules you have set for them.”

Overconsumption of unhealthy food – especially those high in fat, refined sugar and carbohydrates – can lead to obesity. Obesity is a major contributing factor in Type 2 diabetes, which has seen a rise in recent years, even among children.