Sugary Drinks

Mom, I’m thirsty!

We have all heard these words and I expect we will be hearing them a lot more with the arrival of spring and warmer weather…ohhhh, but what to choose to quench their thirst?!?

The fact is that water and milk are your best options.  Why you ask…what’s the harm in some juice drink cocktail?  That Vitamin enhanced water sounds healthy and sport recovery beverages for my little’ sport’ are fine…even a slurpie treat isn’t so bad…right?!?…Wrong!!!.  The sad news is that such drinks are packed full of sugar and empty calories that lack nutrients and rot teeth.  Did you know a child should consume only about 12 teaspoons of sugar a day and a large slurpie contains 24 teaspoons…EEK!  So rather than reaching for the soda, juice drinks, slushies, sport recovery drinks or vitamin enhanced waters why not keep it simple and take it easy on the sugar.  Why not serve up some chilled water,  pour them a cool glass of milk or blend a homemade yoghurt, fruit and veggie smoothie…and if they insist on juice, ensure it’s 100% juice and just water it down.  It may take a while for your kid to adjust to the withdrawal of the sugar overloads they’ve grown accustomed to but it will be worth it in the long run as they reduce their sugar intake and enjoy a new found energy.  Quench their thirst without pumping them full of unwanted sugar and empty calories.

Or try this homemade lemonade recipe!

2 cups water
1 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 to 2 tsp. Agave Nectar
The kids liked it a lot and loved making it.