A healthy diet isn’t limited to nutritious foods – beverages play a big role, too! Learn which beverages to offer your child, and which ones to limit or avoid.
Did you know that one can of soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar? All that sugar increases your child's risk of cavities, obesity, and even type 2 diabetes. Make a healthy choice by offering water and milk to your child instead of sugary beverages like soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks.
Make water and milk your child’s go-to beverages with these fun, creative twists:
Add lemon wedges, cucumbers, or orange slices to a pitcher of cool water for some flavor and a splash of color.
Place small fruits (such as raspberries or blueberries) in an ice cube tray. Fill up the tray with water and freeze up some fun and colorful ice cubes!
Serve water or milk in a brightly colored cup or one that has a straw attached for some sipping fun.
Shake things up with a milkshake using low-fat milk, ice, and your favorite berries.
Make “agua fresca,” a popular Mexican fruit drink, by blending water and fresh fruit with a little lemon or lime juice.
100% fruit juice may sound like healthy beverage choice for young children, but it can contain just as much sugar as a can of soda. Offer your child sliced fruit instead of fruit juice, and stick to water and milk whenever possible.
