Protecting your sweetheart with water

Dawn Earnesty<wilcoxd4@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension, Cheryl McIntosh, Central Michigan University Dietetic intern -

Reduce your child’s sweet drinks to promote a healthy heart.

When cruising the aisles at the grocery store, do you ever notice the bright colors, cartoon characters and appealing pictures surrounding you? These same items grab the attention of children, which in turn influence a parent’s decision to buy the product. According to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 88 percent of these products have added sugar which can be a main source of sugar in the diet. Increased sugar consumption can lead to a multitude of health problems including obesity, dental cavities, diabetes and a higher risk of cancer.         

Superhero mom and dad to the rescue! You can provide your child with the ultimate secret weapon of water! Water has no added calories, does not cause cavities and fuels the body.

One easy and simple way to get kids excited about water is to provide them with a brightly colored, cartoon character water bottle. Let your child pick out the bottle or cup on their own to get them excited. What’s in it for the superhero parents? This switch will help your wallet! The price of those colorful, sugary drinks can add up quick, and so can dental bills.

Water can be modified with fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables to add additional flavor. Water additions can include:

  • Cucumbers
  • Mint
  • Kiwi
  • Lemons
  • Limes
  • Strawberries
  • Peaches
  • Raspberries
  • Oranges

Michigan State University Extension offers nutrition education classes for youth and parents. Visit http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/info/food_health for programs and educational opportunities.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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