Are you experiencing mood swings and temperament issues in your children even after giving them their favorite sugary, commercially produced juices and drinks? It is challenging to find healthy and nutritious drinks for the children that they may like. There are plenty of possible delicious recipes discussed in this blog that can keep your children hydrated, healthy, happy, and full. Good news: these recipes do not include sugar punches.
Children have very sharp and sensitive taste buds. In this blog, we will discuss healthy alternatives to sugary drinks, smoothies, and infused waters, etc. Three ingredients of these recipes are health, nutrition, and the child’s taste buds’ happiness.
To make kids understand the importance of giving up these commercially manufactured sugar bags, parents should convince them by discussing the cons that come with these drinks. Consumption of these drinks results in tooth decay, weight gain, obesity, and mood swings in children. It is suggested by doctors that sugary drink intake of a toddler (3-5 years) should not cross 120ml serving, while for a child (6-8 years), this limit should not cross a maximum serving of 240ml.
This advised liberty of sugary drinks does not make it a healthy choice, we should rather choose homemade drinks which are healthier and have nutritional value.
10 Healthy & Nutritious Drink Recipes
1. Infused Water with Fruits & Herbs
Kids are not attracted by plain water mostly. To make them consume clean water some excited recipes can be practiced. Try below mentioned combinations to make infused water for kids.
- Cucumber + mint + lemon infusion is very refreshing to consume.
- Strawberry + basil infusion is sweet and smells very good.
- Orange + blueberry infusion is high in Vitamin C.
To make drinks exciting for kids, you can freeze fruit pieces in ice cubes.
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2. Coconut Water
Natural and real coconut juice is a very tasty treat, it is a great source of potassium and magnesium. It is naturally sweet and a good option for hydration.
3. Homemade Fruit Smoothies/Milkshakes
Put whole fruit like a banana or mango with yogurt or milk into a blender to make a smoothie or a milkshake. Chia seeds can also be added to these recipes for enhanced texture and nutritional value.
4. Herbal Teas
Iced teas like chamomile can be given to kids with a treat of maple syrup or honey. In winters same can be served warmed.
5. Milk blended with dry fruits
Milk mixed with almonds or pistachios tastes very good. Add honey to it for a sweet tooth. Chia seeds can also be added to this drink for better texture and nutritional value.
6. Homemade Lemonade
Let go of sugar-added lemonade and make a homemade drink with a lemon and honey mixture. Add ice for enhanced taste.
7. Sparkling Water with Real Juice
Mix 15-20% real fruit juice with sparkling water if your child craves a fizzy drink. Apple or pomegranate juice is a perfect option for this blend.
8. Chia Seed Water for Hydration
Chia seeds, soaked overnight in water, give a gel-like texture. Its consumption keeps you hydrated for longer. A honey or fruit juice portion can be added to this drink if a sweet tooth is craved.
9. Homemade Almond or Cashew Drink
Overnight, soak almonds or cashews in water and blend this mixture in the morning. Add dates to the mixture for sweetness and enhanced flavor.
10. Veggie-Based Juices
If a child loves to consume juice, carrot juice mixed with beetroot is full of fibers and nutrition. Add lemon, mint, or celery juice for flavor.
It is challenging to convince kids to have a healthy intake, but parents can encourage them by making them choose their favorite drinks among the healthy choices. Buy colorful cups, mugs, glasses, and fun straws for the serving. Indulge them in games like who will remain the healthiest today will win.
Conclusion:
Switching a child from sugary drinks to healthy and nutritional ones does not have to be a battle with the child. Do not impose on them; rather, convince them. Give them choices and make them learn to take healthier options. It does not have to be an instant 100% shift from sugar to no sugar. Take the child through the process gradually; start with once or twice a week, and then try to push the healthy options more frequently while convincing them. Your continuity and consistent practice will keep your child healthy, refreshed, and energized without the sugar punch.
Which alternative are you going to try first? Share your child’s favorite drink in the comments!