Cupcakes, candy bars, burgers and fries are the usual suspects in the obesity lineup. But what about the culprits that are less discussed but still just as guilty? We're not talking about junk food. We're talking about junk drink.
Think about it. High amounts of sugars, calories and fats that are easily consumable in liquid form are a sure fire way to over-consumption of necessary daily calories, especially if, as is the case for a rising number of children, the calories are not being burned off with physical activity.
"Many children are consuming 300 calories per day or more, just in sugar-containing beverages." CNN Soda and Obesity And we're not just talking about the omnipresent soda. Fruit punch and chocolate milk are also top offenders. What may be presented as a healthy drink option could have more sugar and fat than a dessert. Confused? Surprised? Well, the good news is that there is an easy solution. Drink more water, unflavored milk and real fruit juices. Cutting out the sugary drinks is easier than trying to rid yourself of the extra calories with a vigorous workout.
While eating healthier - buying fresh produce and finding the time to cook - may present an obstacle to some, drinking healthier liquids is straightforward and simple, especially if the new drink of choice is water. Affordable and accessible, water, when replacing the sugary drinks, will cut out unwanted calories in an inexpensive and effortless manner.
"Not only is water calorie-free, but drinking it teaches kids to accept a low-flavor, no-sugar beverage as a thirst-quencher." KidsHealth Accepting this pure and sugarless drink as a party of their regular eating and drinking habits will potentially instill a lifetime of lower calorie consumption and presumably a healthier weight.
Training the taste buds as well as the mind is just what's going on in the Seed-to-Plate Nutrition Education (S2P) classrooms. Focused on fresh, healthy and whole foods, the students learn to appreciate and actually enjoy (and request) unprocessed, non-sugary foods that are both delicious and nutritious. In the interactive learning environment, the students are applying their healthy food knowledge to situations and meals outside the classroom, including what to eat and drink at home or while at a restaurant.
Remember to include the "under-the-radar liquids" next time you are discussing nutrition and healthy living with children (and adults, for that matter).
Need a recipe for a delicious and nutritious flavorful drink made from natural, whole ingredients? Look no further!
Sunshine Smoothies
Yield: 4-6 tastings
Ingredients:
1 cup orange juice, fresh squeezed
¾ cup fresh or frozen cantaloupe
1 fresh or frozen banana
½ cup plain yogurt
½ tablespoon honey
frozen grapes for garnish
Remove grapes from stems and place in the freezer.
Slice the oranges in half and squeeze over a fine mesh strainer to catch the seeds (or use a juice reamer).
Slice the cantaloupe in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
Scoop the fruit out into a bowl.
Peel the banana and slice into 1 inch pieces.
Measure the yogurt and honey.
Add all ingredients into a blender and place the lid on tightly.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Taste to see if a little more honey needs to be added.
Pour into glasses, garnish with frozen grapes, and enjoy!
Note: You can make this recipe into several different kinds of smoothies by using different juices or different fruits. How many different smoothie combinations can you come up with?
Have a question?