How to Reduce Soda Consumption in Kids
More and more kids are drinking soda today. In some studies, it has been found that almost 50 percent of the total population of 2-11 year old kids drinks one or more sodas per day. It is not a surprise that there is an increasing rate of childhood obesity today and this problem is often linked to early and excessive soda consumption among children. The fact is, drinking even just one soda per day greatly increases the risk of overweight problems in a child. Reducing soda consumption among your kids should be one of your top concerns right now.
Bad Effects of Soda on your Kids
Soda is not only contributory to weight problems. It also has other various adverse effects on your child's health. For one, this drink has no nutritional value. The fact that it contains 45 mg of caffeine and 17 teaspoons of sugar contributes to bad effects on children's health. The empty calories in soda make children feel hungry and this gives them the tendency to overeat. If they constantly drink this unhealthy beverage, they miss out on the nutritional benefits that milk and fruit juice can provide them with. The caffeine found in this drink also causes hyperactivity and dehydration while sugar can cause cavities and tooth decay as well as increase risk for diabetes.
Tips to Reduce Soda Consumption
Educating your kids is the first step. But don't just tell them to quit drinking soda. You need to imbibe and instill in them the value of drinking highly nutritious drinks and beverages. Educate them about the vitamins and minerals that can be found in milk and juice and how these nutrients can contribute to their proper growth and development. Show them the bad effects of soda so that it would be easier for them to kick their soda habit.
Apart from that, parents should also set a good example for their children. You cannot expect your child to quit his drinking habit if you constantly gorge on several soda bottles yourself a day. Being healthy starts at home and begins with the parents. This would encourage the kids to make healthy choices even outside the home.
Moreover, it would be best not to keep soda in the house. As you know, out of sight means out of mind. Gradually switch your kids from regular soda to diet soda. If your kids are still craving for soda, you can create your own soda drinks by investing on reliable soda siphon and soda chargers. Homemade soda can let your kids enjoy the fizzy drink without the caffeine and excessive sugar.
At school, you can raise a petition to have the soda machines removed in the school premises. Other parents would surely support your cause if they are aware of the bad effects of soda on their kids. If you are going to eat out in a restaurant, order milk, chocolate shake, fruit juice, or fruit smoothies for your child.
It is best to encourage your kids to turn over a healthy lifestyle as early as now. Don't wait for them to grow up because that would make it more difficult for them to kick this unhealthy habit.
How to Reduce Soda Consumption in Kids
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