With its high sugar and calorie count, as well as its lack of any meaningful nutrition, soda is anything but a healthy choice for youngsters – or anyone else. Too much consumption can result in obesity, diabetes, and other medical issues. Parental guidance is needed to help children make healthier choices when it comes to beverages; water, milk and real fruit juice are far better selections than sugary soft drinks!
Water
Proper hydration is an important part of a child’s health, as water regulates body temperature, supports digestion and carries vital nutrients and oxygen to all organs. Therefore, it’s essential that children drink enough water every day – especially when they are physically active. Water won’t add any extra calories either! If your kids don’t find plain H2O particularly appetizing, make them excited about drinking with delicious slices of citrus fruit or fresh strawberries for flavor enhancement.
Milk
Milk is an excellent source of calcium, which is crucial for strong bones and teeth. Children need calcium to support their growing bodies, and about one to two cups of milk a day usually provides kids with the calcium they need. Milk also contains other essential nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and protein. For children who don’t like plain milk, try flavored milk like chocolate or strawberry milk, or try adding a little honey or vanilla extract to plain milk to give it some flavor.
Real Fruit Juice
Drinking fruit juice can be a beneficial part of your child’s diet when consumed within limits. Fruit juices are loaded with necessary vitamins and minerals, but it is important to note that they also contain high levels of sugar as well. It is recommended for children to have no more than one cup per day. When selecting the type of fruit juice you want your kids to drink, make sure it only contains real fruits; avoid those with added sugars or artificial flavors! Also, it is important to note that fruit juice should not be a substitute for whole fruit, as whole fruits contain fiber that is important for digestion and can help prevent constipation.
In order to ensure that children are receiving the most essential nutrients for growth and development, it is crucial to provide them with wholesome beverages including water, milk or 100% fruit juice. Although sugary drinks may be tempting for kids, these should be restricted or eliminated from their diet altogether as they lack any real nutritional value. So remember; every sip counts – make sure your child’s intake is beneficial towards their wellbeing!
Check out this article on common dental issues kids have when they’re young!
