With obesity concerns for the nature beginning in children dictating our eating habits for a lifetime, here are 5 ways you can slim down your chances of being diagnosed with diabetes which has no cure and creates massive complications in life.

1) Cut Down on Sugar in Your Tea or Coffee
It's bad enough on it's own with the additives and caffeine content, but the need for a boost at the beginning of, during and at the last stretch of the work day or looking after the house, is understandable. If you have recently increased your intake, it may be a sign that you aren't getting enough sleep on your own (maybe your caffeine intake is to blame?). Try water if you need a break or something to quench your thirst. Sometimes the ritual or bonding over making tea is the biggest proponent of drinking it. If you are a tea or coffee addict and can't be without your fix, then at least replace the sugar which you would have it with normally, with sweetener instead; while not perfect like not drinking it at all, it would make a difference and can be carried around with you in a small pack (which makes a fun click to dispense them to boot!).

2) Take the Stairs
If you work in an office building or you commute via trains, you'd be surprised as to how often you use a lift or escalator. When confronted with the choice between stairs and escalator, it makes sense to go for the escalator unless we are in a rush. This quick workout is a handy cardiovascular boost and a good way, over time, to track how you're doing if you overhauling your lifestyle. This tip can also be utilised in the home which makes it a cheap gym workout, by simply using your staircase to go up and down. If you can teach your kids to tidy up after themselves, playing with one toy at a time, each time they go up to their room to fetch a new one, they'll learn to be tidy and active. With older kids, don't let them lie in bed all day and let you run around them; leave meals for them in the kitchen and make sure they bring plates and washing down to you.


3) Introduce Cinnamon...Yes, Cinnamon!
Cinnamon is like vinegar in that most homes will have it but not realise the multitude of miraculous effects it can have. While vinegar is good for cuts and stains, cinnamon has many, many health benefits; one of which is lowering blood sugars. Though a spice, it can be discreetly put into foods, like potatoes, or if you want to be naughty, doughnuts and apple pies without arousing suspicions of fussy eaters. Alternatively, if you want a purer form without having to eat a delicious doughnut, <a href="http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/shop-product.asp?prod=176&autocomplete1=Cinnamon&button=Go">cinnamon capsules</a> are readily available from many health shops or chemists. As long as the bottle is clearly marked and contains what is says it has, <a href="http://www.regenerativenutrition.com/cinnamon-cinnamomum-verum--p-176.asp">cinnamon supplements</a> like these are a safe, non-medicinal form of lowering blood sugars, which may be an extremely worthwhile thing to have at hand, if you or someone you know is diabetic. There are many other flavourings or condiments you can add discreetly to cooking which no-one will notice as sticking out (apart from that added "hmmmmm").

4) Make Sugary Treats a Treat
Too easily we can make things that ought to be a treat like biscuits or sweets a routine indulgence rather than a special occasion. It can be as simple as a daily biscuit or three with tea breaks, to something after dinner, every day. With kids, you can't always control what they eat when they're out of your eyeline so try to instill that sweets and biscuits should be eaten in moderation. Make the biscuits you buy a big decision, rather than buying several different types. Keep them on a high shelf in your kitchen so they can't help themselves while you're not looking. This can be a larger lesson of teaching them to savour flavour rather than gobble up as much as quickly as they can. They can also be a reward for good behaviour or at least a key part of bonding before tea time with the family.