Limit Sugar-Sweetened Beverages
Why Limit Sugar-Sweetened Beverages? Because...
They offer no nutrition but do add lots of extra calories and sugar
They raise the risk of cavities and dental damage
They often replace milk at a meal or snack, which contains many nutrients for good health
Energy drinks in particular contain sugar plus caffeine and other harmful ingredients
Energy drinks are not recommended for children and teens
What Your Family Can Do:
Drink milk, water, and other low calorie beverages instead
Serve low-fat milk with meals
If your child won't drink white milk, give them 1% flavored milk instead
Limit juice to only 100% juice, 4-6 ounces per day
Don't buy sugary drinks for the home
Serve water between meals
Drink Milk for Better Nutrition
Milk provides calcium, protein, and vitamins A and D that help kids and adults maintain a healthy diet and improve bone health
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children get 3 servings and teens get 4 servings of milk a day (one serving = 8 oz)
Quick Tips:
You can determine if your drink contains additional sugars by reading the ingredient list. Sweeteners listed go by many different names, so use the list below to identify ingredients that show a beverage is sweetened.
High-fructose corn syrup
Fructosee
Fruit juice concentrates
Honey
Sugar
Syrup
Corn syrup
Sucrose
Dextrose
Instead of sweetened beverages, try
Water or other calorie free beverages to quench thirst
Limiting soft drinks to special occassions
Low sugar sports drinks over regular sports drinks, and only if you have had intense exercise
For More Information
www.cdc.gov/NCCdphp/dnpa/healthyweight/healthy_eating/drinks.htm
http://children.webmd.com/features/children-and-sweetened-drinks-whats-a-parent-to-do
Information provided adapted from www.kidshealth.org, Journal of Adolescent Health, Journal of the American College of Nutrition, and NCH handouts.