Is sugar intake addictive? If so, how would that manifest itself?

DOC There is clearly something about sugar that makes most people want more. This is why, even when you're full after a big meal, you can make room for dessert. Whether this qualifies as addictive or not is for the chemists and dietitians to answer. But on a practical level, most people have an urge to eat sugars, and it seems to be independent of hunger.

PSYCH While it's not addictive in the true sense of the word, unwise eating habits and cultural conditioning can lead us to crave sugary foods. There is a physiological component to these cravings. Sweets can trigger the release of endorphins and the increase of serotonin, two hormones associated with feelings of well-being and elevated mood. Consistent cravings for sweets may also be a sign a person has gotten too hungry, rather than indicating a sugar addiction. If meal and snack times are scheduled at consistent intervals throughout the day, and if wholesome food is consumed at those times, cravings for sweets often diminish.

Are some sugary treats worse than others?

DOC My general rule is that if it comes in a wrapper (like a candy bar), it is probably far less healthy than if it comes from your own kitchen. Perhaps this isn't the most fair generalization, since we all know that we can cook plenty of foods that are bad for us. But the processed and refined sugars found in candy bars and the like are particularly difficult for the body to digest. Intake of these sugars is related to insulin resistance, the precursor to diabetes. There's also the issue of dental health.

Which is the lesser of two evils for parents—using sugary treats as bribery or as a reward?

PSYCH When deciding between bribes and rewards, parents should always choose rewards, whether they're sugary treats or other reinforcers. A bribe is usually prompted by inappropriate behavior. For instance, a mother may respond to Danny's refusal to do homework by saying, "I'll give you a cookie, but then you'd better do your homework." Yet after Danny receives his cookie, he may not sit down to his task. Another danger with bribes is that they teach children they'll profit from bad behavior. Conversely, rewards, based on a "first-then" principle, are given for positive behavior. To increase the likelihood that a child will comply, allow him to help determine the reward. Also, to help children develop an internal sense of satisfaction (as opposed to performing for a payoff), be sure to provide social praise by giving them hugs and telling them you're proud of their accomplishments.

DOC Many studies have looked at children's food choices. In one, researchers showed kids two similar kinds of snack cookies, both high in fat and sugar. They were allowed to eat as much of one kind as they wanted but none of the other. When the kids were later given free access to both foods, they chose to eat the "forbidden" one more often and in larger quantities. The study's authors concluded that restricting access to certain foods may encourage kids to eat more of them. The lesson? Give your kids limited but reasonable access to sweets and junk and they'll learn to make good choices. Avoid teaching your child to reward herself with food, because you won't always be around to help her make decisions. You want to raise a child who knows how to eat reasonably at the school cafeteria, a slumber party, or the local snack stop. Involve any child over age 4 in the decision to make good choices. One easy rule of thumb: If she has had something junky already that day, she's done. If she went to a birthday party and ate cake, then no dessert later. If there's something at home that she's looking forward to, she should skip the junk earlier in the day. Kids can understand this rationale.

PSYCH Set a good example by eating a variety of foods and being physically active. Stock an array of healthful foods, and help your kids make good choices by involving them in shopping and preparation. Rather than relying on sugary treats, give them fruits, which are naturally sweet. And remember that children love presentation—use a special dish to add to the reward.