Sugar Free Drinks = Weight Loss for Kids (and Adults!)

It's no secret that soda is bad for you, and your kids, but sugary soda is undeniably part of the obesidy problem and studies have proven it. 

Obesity rates in children have increased by 100 percent since 1980s.  Since then, kids consume an extra 300 calories per day, largely in the form of high sugar soft drinks

A study from the Netherlands found that children given high-sugar soft drinks for 18 months
gained weight while kids given sugar-free drinks didn't.

Replacing high-sugar drinks with calorie-free beverages prevents weight and fat gain in children.
(New England Journal of Medicine, 367: 1397-1406.2012)


Getting your kids started on healthy and deliscious beverages early is key in getting them to make healthy choices life-long.  Here are some great drink ideas to get you and your  kids away from the sugary sodas and into much better habits.

Aqua Frescas:  

These are basically fruit-infused waters that are refreshing and good for you. Easy to make at home, kids will love to make up their own recipes, and you'll love that they are eating and drinking healthy. Here are a few recipes to get you started: 

Citrus Cucumber Water

Ingredients

• 1 large lemon, sliced
• 1 large lime, sliced
• 1 large orange, sliced
• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 gallon of water

Instructions

1. Place all fruits and vegetables in a glass pitcher.
2. Add water.
3. Allow to infuse for two hours before serving over ice.

Orange Mint Water

Ingredients

• 3 large oranges, sliced
• 10 mint leaves
• 1/2 gallon of water

Instructions

1. Place mint and orange slices in a pitcher.
2. Add water.
3. Infuse for two hours in the refrigerator.
4. Pour over ice.
5. Serve garnished with an orange slice and a sprig of mint.

Cucumber Melon Aguas Frescas

Ingredients

• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 honeydew melon, cubed
• 1/4 cantaloupe, cubed
• 1/2 gallon of water

Instructions

1. Place melon and cucumber in a glass pitcher.
2. Add water.
3. Allow to rest, refrigerated, for two hours.
4. Serve over ice.
5. Garnish with melon balls skewered on a swizzle stick.

Watermelon Basil Aguas Frescas

Ingredients

• 2 cups of seedless watermelon, cubed
• 10 to 12 basil leaves
• 1/2 gallon of water

Instructions

1. Pour water over melon and basil.
2. Refrigerate for two hours.
3. Serve over ice.
4. Garnish with a sprig of basil.

Citrus Coriander Aguas Frescas

Ingredients

• 1 large lemon, sliced
• 1 large lime, sliced
• 1 large orange, sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves

Instructions

1. Pour water over citrus fruits and cilantro.
2. Refrigerate for two hours.
3. Serve over ice.
4. Garnish with an orange slice and sprig of cilantro    (get more at:  http://gourmet.lovetoknow.com/Fresh_Fruit_Infused_Water  )

Tomato, Cranberry and Orange Juice are also healthy choices that can substitute for sodas.

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