From Your Health Journal…..”An excellent ‘tip’ sheet from ChooseMyPlate by the US Government on healthy beverage choices. Many times, I have blogged about drinking healthy, and even created a web site about the positive effects of drinking water. Sadly, many children do not understand the benefits of drinking water, and consume too much of the liquid candy. In fact, I have seen reports that state that 25-40% of children’s daily calorie intake is from liquids. This is too high, and must be reduced. They need to drink more water. Children should drink plenty of fluid throughout the entire day. Water should be the number one choice, but other beverages such low fat milk or 100% all natural, unsweetened juice are also wise choices. These drinks help to keep the body hydrated while providing nutrients for good health and growth. It is very important to choose the correct beverage selection for your child! Some drinks are healthy choices, but others are just ‘liquid candy’ to the children. Please visit the link below to rad the complete article from the government about healthy drinking choices.”
From the article…..
10 tips to get started
What you drink is as important as what you eat. Many beverages contain added sugars and offer little or no nutrients, while others may provide nutrients but too much fat and too many calories. Here are some tips to help you make better beverage choices.
# 1 Drink water
Drink water instead of sugary drinks when you’re thirsty. Regular soda, energy or sports drinks, and other sweet drinks usually contain a lot of added sugar, which provides more calories than needed.To maintain a healthy weight, sip water
or other drinks with few or no calories.
#2 How much water is enough?
Let your thirst be your guide. Water is an important nutrient for the body, but everyone’s needs are different. Most of us get enough water from the foods we eat
and the beverages we drink. A healthy body can balance water needs throughout the day. Drink plenty of water if you are very active, live or work in hot conditions, or are an older adult.
# 3 A thrifty option
Water is usually easy on the wallet. You can save money by drinking water from the tap at home or when eating out.
# 4 Manage your calories
Drink water with and between your meals. Adults and children take in about 400 calories per day as beverages—drinking water can help you manage your calories.
# 5 kid-friendly drink zone
Make water, low-fat or fat-free milk, or 100% juice an easy option in your home. Have ready-to-go containers filled with water or healthy drinks available in the refrigerator. Place them in lunch boxes or backpacks for easy access when kids are away from home. Depending on age, children can drink ½ to 1 cup, and adults can drink up to 1 cup of 100% fruit or vegetable juice each day.
To read the complete article…..Click here