Do You Know What Your Children Are Drinking?

Childhood obesity is one of the largest emerging, but mostly preventable health conditions. According to the 2009 Annual Report issued by the Ontario chief medical officer of health, one in four children between the ages of two and 17 are overweight.

Beverage choice plays a key role in maintaining a healthy weight. The problem is beverages can be deceiving—they are often full of calories that we don’t think about because we are not “eating” anything. Many people don’t realize just how many calories beverages can contribute to their child’s daily intake.

There are many hidden, added sugars in beverages, like juice boxes and juice cocktails that are geared specifically toward children. Sherry Torkos, pharmacist and author of The Canadian Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, explains, “Water is a healthy hydration alternative and plays a central role in helping your child’s body process nutrients and supporting overall health. Water does not contain hidden calories and is good for you, but despite its overwhelming value, people do not drink enough of it.”

Consumption of an adequate amount of fluid is essential for healthy and well functioning young bodies. Here are some quick and easy tips to keep your child healthy and hydrated:

Read The Label. When evaluating beverages a good place to start is by reading the nutrition facts label. Fruit drinks and pop are often high in calories, sugar and sodium, and low in nutrients.

Drink Water. Replacing one 12 ounce sugared beverage with one bottle of water a day can trim more than 50,000 calories a year from your child’s diet.

Ensure your child has water readily available at all times. For example, packing natural spring water, like Nestlé Pure Life, in their school bags to have at lunch, during recess or sporting activities will prove beneficial.

Balance and Moderate. Teach your children that drinks that are treats, like pop and some juices, are meant to be consumed as you would a piece of cake or chocolate bar – in moderation.

Eat Fruits and Veggies. Many fruits and veggies are a great source of hydration. But be careful, not all fruit and vegetable juices are 100% pure juice. Some contain fructose corn syrup or other sweeteners. It is better to eat the fruit, which along with the juice contains fibre.

Cut up fruits and veggies on the weekend and store in baggies. These will come in handy during hectic weekdays when you need to quickly get your child to his or her favourite activity.

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