A new study just released by the Journal of Pediatrics indicates that kids think sports drinks are healthy. In this study, they found a correlation of increased sports drink with increased activity and healthier food choices. In the same study, they found the opposite (ie. decrease in activity and decrease in healthy food choices) associated with drinking soda.
This might sound good but what does this really mean? It means that kids who are trying to be healthier by choosing more fruits and vegetables and being more active think that sports drinks are part of their healthy lifestyle.
According to the study that involved 15,283 eighth and eleventh grade students across Texas:
Here are some things to consider about these sports drink:
I think parents, you may be fooled thinking that its great that your child is not drinking soda and instead they are drinking these sports drinks. But you can see that they have almost as much sugar as soda. Unnecessary sugar. These sports drinks are designed for athletes doing very high intensity workouts but they are marketed to kids.
What can they drink instead:
Plain water is really the best for hydrating kids before, during and after sports or activity.
You can spice it up by adding some citrus into the water
They also sell flavored water
If your child is used to drinking these sports drinks then consider limiting them to one a day and look for the 8 ounce bottles.
Share your opinions on sports drinks or your tips and ideas for encouraging kids to drink healthier beverages below
Related tips and articles from Nourish Interactive:
Effects of sugar drinks and your family’s health
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