"Sugary drinks taste good and my kids love them."
Some thoughts to consider:
- Sugary beverages are drinks sweetened with added sugars. Some examples include soda, fruit drinks, sports drinks, energy drinks, sweetened coffee, or sweetened tea.
- The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend 12 teaspoons of added sugar per day. Some sugary beverages can have as many as 20 teaspoons of added sugar!
- Drinking too many sugary beverages can contribute to health problems, such as tooth decay, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
- Drinking too many sugary beverages can also spoil our appetite to eat healthy foods.
Practical tips:
- Avoid stocking the fridge with sugar-sweetened beverages. Instead, keep a jug of fresh water in the fridge.
- Add flavor to water with herbs and sliced fruit, such as basil with berries, or mint with lemon and cucumber.
- Try sparkling water if you like fizzy drinks.
- Carry a water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day.
- Consider other beverages that contain more nutrients, such as plain milk, milk alternatives, or 100% fruit or vegetable juice.