Contents:
- Medical Video: How to Create a Healthy Plate
- Drinks may be given as often as possible to children
- Drinks that can be given sometimes to children
- Adequate drinks are given occasionally to children
- Drinks that should not be given to children
- Some healthy drink recipes for children
- Strawberry milk recipe:
- Vegetable smoothie recipe
Medical Video: How to Create a Healthy Plate
We know that it is important to provide healthy food for children, but what about drinks? What children drink can greatly affect how much calories they consume and the level of calcium (to form strong bones) that their body receives.
Here's an explanation of all drinks, and how often your child can drink them:
Drinks may be given as often as possible to children
- Milk: Give pure milk to children aged 1-2 years (unless there is a family history of obesity and heart disease, where low-low milk can be considered, but consult a pediatrician first). Fat-free milk is best given after a 2-year-old child: low-fat milk has the required vitamin D and calcium, without using calories.
- Water: As needed, depending on the level of activity, climate and weight. Your child doesn't like water? Try to taste the water with crushed strawberries, or decorate with a straw or an interesting ice cube.
Drinks that can be given sometimes to children
Vitamin water: If you decide to give, choose a sugar-free drink. Know that these drinks are water that is given coloring with an additional vitamin (which is usually obtained sufficiently from the diet).
Coconut water: Coconut water is low in sugar and high in potassium, antioxidants and electrolytes. Make sure you avoid energy drinks that promote coconut water. Choose pure coconut water or drink directly from the fruit.
Smoothies: Smoothies are fun and healthy drinks. You can also add various fruits, vegetables and proteins. Smoothies can also be served as ice cream. Unlike pure juice, smoothies hold more fiber that is important for a child's diet.
Herbal tea: Herbal tea can taste good and has many health benefits for your child. One of the favorite teas taken before bed is chamomile tea, which can calm nerves and the digestive tract. Serve warm with 1 teaspoon of honey. Remember, babies under 1 year of age should not be given honey.
Adequate drinks are given occasionally to children
Juice: Only give 100% juice, without added sugar. Children aged 1-6 years can consume 4-6 ounces per day. Too much juice gives a lot of calories and not as much fiber as fruits.
Drinks that should not be given to children
Soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks: Soda is basically liquid candy, not nutritious at all. Caffeine (in coffee, tea and most energy drinks) is a stimulant and addictive. For certain events, a little soda is not a problem, but don't drink it as a routine.
Some healthy drink recipes for children
Milk with flavor variants: Here are interesting ways to taste milk for children who don't like the taste of milk. Strawberry is also a good source of vitamin C.
Strawberry milk recipe:
- ½ cup of strawberry
- 2 cups of milk
- Blend until the strawberry becomes smooth
Vegetable smoothie recipe
- ½ cup of sugarless yogurt
- 1 tbsp of peanut butter
- 1 frozen banana
- 3-4 handfuls of vegetable kale or bayan
- 1 cup of almond milk or plain milk
- Blend until smooth.
