Smart Drink Choices for Strong & Healthy Kids
➔ Best Everyday Choices( Choose Most Often) These drinks help your kids stay hydrated, energized and focused without added sugar!
1. Plain water: Your body’ s favorite drink!
■ Best for hydration; includes still or sparkling water
2. Plain pasteurized milk: For strong bones!
■ Skim and / or 1-2 % milk
■ Reliable source of calcium + vitamin D
3. Infused Water
■ Water infused with cucumber, mint, berries, citrus
■ Flavor without sugar! 4. Unsweetened sparkling water:
■ Great choice if they like bubbles!
➔ Drinks to Use Once in a While( Limit These) These can be part of a balanced routine but should not replace water.
1. 100 % juice:
■ 1-3 years: Max 4 oz( ½ a cup) daily
■ 4-6 years: Max 4-6 oz( ½-¾ a cup) daily
■ 7-18 years: Max 8 oz( 1 cup) daily
2. Plant-based milks:
■ May be necessary to fill nutritional gaps. Consider consuming in moderation and choose options with no added sugar.
3. Flavored milks:
■ Can be as a treat, but not recommended as a daily drink
➔
Drinks to Avoid These drinks add a lot of sugar or caffeine without nutrition!
1. Sugar-sweetened beverages: Soda, sports drinks, fruit drinks, sweetened teas, energy drinks
2. Drinks with caffeine or other stimulants:
■ No safe caffeine level for kids aged < 18 years
■ Consumption has been linked to poor sleep, depressive moods, anxiety and increased blood pressure
3. Sweetened waters / aguas frescas / fruitades
Small changes count!! Reducing sugary drinks even a few days a week can help with weight, energy, mood and dental health!
Adapted from the AAP recommendations for beverages: https:// publications. aap. org / aapnews / news / 31250 / New-recommendationsencourage-kids-to-drink-water? autologincheck = redirected 21