Soda has no nutritional value and is high in sugar. Just nine ounces of soda has 110-150 empty calories. Many sodas also contain caffeine, which kids do not need.
Drink Water First:
- Drinking enough water can keep you from overheating.
- Getting enough water helps the brain function at its best.
- Not drinking enough water can cause headaches and fatigue.
- When you are physically active, drink more water.
Healthy Tips:
- Encourage your family to love water. Serve it. Choose it. If it’s there, people will drink it. And remember water has zero calories.
- Be wary of commercials. Juice products labeled “-ade,” “drink” or “punch” often contain mostly corn syrup sweetener and less than 5% real juice.
- For kids 2 years or older, encourage fat free or low fat milk rather than whole milk.
Water: Keep it Handy, Keep it Cold:
- Keep bottled water or a water bottle on hand.
- Add fresh lemon, lime or orange wedges to water for some natural flavor.
- Fill a pitcher of water and keep it in the fridge.
- Drink water when you are thirsty. It is the best choice.
- Cut back slowly on sugar-sweetened drinks.
- Replace soda and sugar-sweetened drinks such as juice or sports drinks with water.
Drink 0! Materials:
| 0 Sugary Drinks Poster |
| 0 Sugary Drinks Brochure |
| What's in Your Drink? Ages 2-5 Poster |
| What's in Your Drink? Ages 5-10 Poster |
| What's in Your Drink? Ages 10+ Poster |
Additional Resources:
Rethink Your Drink
Healthy Drinks for Kids