Today, kids are drinking more soda than ever before. According to a recent UCLA study, 41% of kids ages two to11 and 62% of teens ages 12-17 drink one or more sodas per day. Drinking one soda per day increases the risk of a child becoming overweight. The empty calories in soda make kids feel hungrier, thus leading to overeating. Also, caffeine in soda causes kids to become hyperactive, thus adversely affecting their ability to concentrate on tasks at hand. The sugar in soda also breaks down tooth enamel causing tooth decay and cavities. Moreover, kids who drink soda miss out on vitamins and nutrients found in milk and real juice. As a parent, it is understandable that you would be concerned about the soda your child consumes. But how to break the habit is a big question.
How to Reduce Soda Consumption in Children
Reducing soda consumption in children starts at home. You, as parents, need to become role models by drinking more water and cutting back on sodas. You also need to make your kids aware of the dangers of drinking soda. More importantly, you should teach them the importance of making healthier choices even when they are not at home.
For starters, if you are in the habit of stocking soda in the house, you should consider giving it up or throwing the cans in the trash bin. Set an example to your children by modeling healthy eating and drinking habits. Slowly phase out soda in the meals by replacing it with milk, juice, sparkling water, or your own soda recipe. Yes, you can create your own version of soda (healthier of course) with the use of kitchen gadgets such as soda siphon and seltzer bottles. Fill the bottle with cold water, charge with carbon dioxide chargers, and within minutes, and your children can have their refreshing soda water. Add some flavors or combine with fruit juice for a healthier treat. As with commercial sparkling drinks, the soda that you prepared with soda siphon and seltzer bottles will stay fresh and fizzy in the fridge until they are ready for consumption.
It is never too late to stop your kids from drinking soda and helping them make the right choices. As parents, you have a great role to play in supporting and encouraging kids to kick their bad habits. You can teach them to make their own food and drinks. For instance, you can teach them to make their own desserts topped with homemade whipped cream made from your very own cream dispenser. A commercial cream dispenser is easier and simpler to use, which will surely make your child enjoy preparing his or her meals every day.
By cutting back on soda kids are able to lose weight, strengthen their bones, eat a healthier diet, study better, concentrate better and avoid simple health risks associated with drinking soda and diet pop, such as headaches. Encourage your kids to make healthy choices. Teach them how to prepare their own foods and drinks so that they will know the value of their meals.
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