Drink Smart: Easy Ways to Cut Back on Sugar
Would you sit down and eat 10 teaspoons of sugar? If you drink a 12 oz. can of regular soda, you might as well be.
Sugary drinks are leading sources of added sugars in the American diet, and include drinks such as sodas, sports drinks, sweetened coffee, energy drinks, sweetened teas and even fruit juices. Adults who often drink sugary drinks are more likely to experience health problems such as tooth decay, weight gain, osteoporosis, and other conditions.
Additionally, child health experts do not recommend serving sugary drinks to young children because they increase the child’s risk of weight gain, tooth decay, and preventable chronic diseases such as diabetes. Water and plain milk are the only drinks experts say toddlers need for a healthy diet.
Limiting sugary drink intake can help maintain a healthy weight and promote other health outcomes. Below are some healthy alternatives for drinks:
- Water. Add citrus or sliced cucumbers to your water.
- 100% fruit juice. Sweet, full of vitamins and counts as a serving of fruit.
- Vegetable juice or V8: Packed with flavor; high in vitamins C, A, and potassium and around 50 calories per cup.
- Non-fat or low-fat milk: High in calcium and protein—and you need both. You could also try soy milk, rice milk or almond milk.
- Unsweetened Coffee and Tea: Get a boost on less than five calories per cup, plus it’s high in antioxidants.
To find more information on healthy beverages, visit our website https://gethealthyclarkcounty.org/eat-better/nutrition-basics/#sugary-beverages
