Parents and caregivers have plentiful options when choosing beverages for children. One choice can make a big difference in your familyís health ñ rethink your drink and choose water instead of juice or soda. Getting enough water every day is important for childrenís health, and extra calories from sugar-sweetened beverages may lead to weight gain.According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity nationwide has more than doubled in the past 30 years. Children who are obese are more likely to be obese as adults, and are at greater risk for health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, several types of cancer and osteoarthritis. In El Paso County, about one in three children are overweight or obese, according to the 2013 Kids Count in Colorado report. In Colorado, one in four children drink at least one sugar-sweetened beverage each day.Reducing the amount of soda and juice your children drink is one step your family can take to reduce extra calories and encourage healthy habits.The benefits of waterWater is refreshing, calorie-free, cheap and readily available. Here are some ideas from ìLetís Go 5210,î a nationally recognized program to encourage healthy eating and physical activity, to ìrethink your drink:î
- To help children remember to drink more water, keep bottled water or a water bottle on hand.
- Fill a pitcher of water and keep it in the fridge.
- Add a slice of lemon, lime or cucumber to add flavor.
- Replace soda, juice and sports drinks with water.
- Serve water with meals.
- Be a good role model: replace your own sugar-sweetened beverage with water.
- Try to choose whole fruits over juice.
