Fruit juices appear to be a mainstay in most children’s meals. Apart from its tasty and colorful offer, parents find it easier to squeeze a box into their child’s lunch case and may even find it a healthier alternative for soda and other carbonated drinks. However, this may not be the case as both have the same or more sugar content than soda alone.
Excessive consumption of such drinks might be detrimental to your children’s well-being. According to studies, these may aggravate gastrointestinal issues, abdominal discomfort, inflammation, obesity, and cavities if not controlled. As such, it is essential to religiously check in with your local pediatric dentists and physicians to determine if your child is already at risk from these tasty treats.
Child Meets Juice
One primary concern associated with excessive juice consumption is that it fills your children up quickly, reduces their appetite, and refuses to eat healthier foods. Though it may seem harmless now, unsupervised sugar intake can put your child’s health at bay and may even cost them chronic issues as they carry this practice as they grow older. In addition, although your kids may still consume a substantial calorie intake, they will mostly come from these sweet drinks contributing to an unbalanced diet.
When it comes to preventing associated behavioral difficulties, your best option is to delay the introduction of juice drinks to your youngster. Children who consume it early and frequently may eventually succumb to it, ultimately wanting it regularly. Once you start introducing them to it, consider using a standard cup to control their consumption and prevent them from drinking it in a hurry.
Making It More Palatable
Initially, your baby’s palette may have only experienced relatively basic flavors. Thus, introducing these new flavors may be overpowering. It could be beneficial to dilute the juice slightly before giving it to your child. Target a ratio of 1:10 of juice and water. As you move forward, you may gradually reduce the amount of water and increase the amount of juice as your youngster adjusts with the taste.
Does This Mean It Has to Be Removed from Their Diets?
Not necessarily. As long as your kids eat a nutritious meal and have a healthy diet of fresh greens, lean meat, and fruits, getting enough nutrients from dairy products, and not suffering from any dental and health problems, their intake should not be much of your concern.
However, if your kid consumes more than the AAP recommends, prefers fruit drinks to a healthy diet, and suffering from various health problems, it is high time to consider limiting their juice consumption.
Sugar-Free? Don’t Be Fooled
It is critical to understand, especially for families with children who have diabetes, that the term “no added sugar” does not necessarily equal “sugar-free” products.
The truth is, despite companies claiming their fruit juice products are 100% sugar-free or that it is made from pure fruits, sugar is still a vital component. Therefore, it is best to check the labels and monitor their daily intake. Instead, go for low-fat milk, pure water, or make your own fruit juice at home.
Apart from focusing on what your kids are gaining from excessive sugar intake, consider what they are losing out on due to this unhealthy pattern; instead of giving them candies, soda, and other sugary drinks, why not go for more organic, nutritious snacks such as watermelon, apples, bananas, and other whole fruits.
It would be best to keep in mind that the suggested daily intake of fruit juice serves as a restriction, not a serving suggestion. For instance, if your children are already consuming the appropriate portion of vitamin C from their guava snacks or spinach you served for lunch, you don’t need to reward them with a box of apple juice anymore. Most importantly, it is crucial to maintain balance and continue encouraging your child to consume fresh produce that provides them with much-needed nutrition growing up.
While it might be difficult and frustrating, parents need to understand that a nutritious diet is critical for their children’s development and growth. Therefore, what you feed them is just as important as what they drink. In some instances, fruit juices may be given as a supplement for children suffering from constipation.
However, you need to be careful in administering it, especially if they are still below the recommended age of such consumption. In this case, explore other treatments. By adhering to health recommendations, you will be on a better road to providing your kid with the much-needed nutrition possible.
