List of healthy and unhealthy drinks for your child & bull; hello healthy

We know that it is important to provide healthy food for children, but what about drinks? What children drink can greatly affect how many calories they consume and the levels of calcium (to build strong bones) their bodies receive.

Here's a description of all drinks, and how often your child can drink them:

Drinks that can be given as often as possible to children

• Milk: Give whole milk to children aged 1 - 2 years (unless there is a family history of obesity and heart disease, where low weak milk can be considered, but consult the pediatrician first). Fat-free milk is best given after the child is 2 years old: low-fat milk has the necessary vitamin D and calcium, without consuming calories.
• Water: As needed, depending on activity level, climate and body weight. Your child doesn't like water? Try flavoring the water with crushed strawberries, or garnishing it with an interesting straw or ice cubes.

Drinks that can be given sometimes to children

Vitamin water: If you decide to give, choose a drink that is sugar free. Be aware that the drink is water that is dyed with a added vitamin (which is usually taken in moderation from the diet).

Coconut water: Coconut water is low in sugar and high in potassium, antioxidants and electrolytes. Make sure you avoid energy drinks that promote coconut water. Choose pure coconut water or drink directly from the fruit.

Smoothies : Smoothies are fun and healthy drinks. You can also add various fruits, vegetables and protein. Smoothies can also be served as ice cream. Unlike pure juices, smoothies hold more fiber which is important to a child's diet.

Herbal tea: Herbal teas can taste great and have many health benefits for your child. One of the favorite teas to drink before bed is chamomile tea, which soothes the nerves and digestive tract. Serve warm with 1 teaspoon honey. Remember, babies under 1 year of age should not be given honey.

Enough drinks are given only occasionally to children

Juice: Only give 100% juice, no added sugar. Children aged 1-6 years can consume 4-6 ounces per day. Too much juice provides lots of calories and not as much fiber as from fruit.

Drinks that should not be given to children

Soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks: Soda is basically a liquid candy, not nutritious at all. Caffeine (in coffee, tea and most energy drinks) is stimulant and addictive. For some occasions, a little soda is fine, but don't drink it as a routine.

Some healthy drink recipes for children

Flavored milk: Here's an interesting way to taste milk for kids who don't like the taste of milk. Strawberry is also a good source of vitamin C.

Strawberry milk recipe:

• ½ cup strawberries
• 2 cups of milk
• Blend until the strawberries are smooth

Vegetable smoothie recipe

• ½ cup of unsweetened yogurt
• 1 tablespoon peanut butter
• 1 frozen banana
• 3-4 handfuls of kale or parrot
• 1 cup almond milk or regular milk
• Blend until smooth.

x