(NC) Did you know that sugary drinks are the main source of sugars in the diets of Canadians? Drinking sugary drinks may lead to increased risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cavities in children.
Sugary drinks can include:
- iced tea
- fruit juice
- soft drinks
- sports drinks
- energy drinks
- fruit-flavoured drinks and punches
- sweetened plant-based beverages
- flavoured waters with added sugars
- sweetened milks like chocolate milk
- sweetened hot or cold tea, coffee, hot chocolate and other specialty drinks
It may not seem easy to get your kid, teen or tween to drink fewer sugary drinks, but here are a few tips:
- Reduce the amount of sugary drinks available at home.
- Encourage them to make healthy drink choices when they are away from home.
- Offer water or carbonated water with meals and snacks.
- Brainstorm as a family ways to flavour water with fruits and herbs.
- Hop on the do-it-yourself trend. Make up a pitcher of unsweetened iced tea with your favourite herbal tea. Or create a signature infused water concoction. Use sparkling water to add some fizz.
- Serve healthier alternatives when hosting friends and family. Offer water and a variety of fruit and herb-infused water, or sparkling water.
Get more information on healthy eating habits at Canada.ca/FoodGuide.
