5 Ways to Cut Back on Juice & Soda

Trying to cut back on the amount of juice, soda or other sugary drinks you or your kiddo drinks? Some kids have a preference for juice or other sweet drinks or just doesn’t love to drink plain water. Or perhaps you have a constipated little one who you are trying to encourage to drink more fluids throughout the day. Whatever the reason, these tips may be helpful to help your family get hydrated.

I recommend trying to choose drinks with less than ~10g sugar per serving. Examples of sugary beverages are soda, sports drinks, juice (even 100% juice), fruit punch, etc. These beverages usually contain 20-30g or more sugar in just one serving, which is often only 8oz! Remember to check the label and see how many servings are in a bottle as well, because sometimes even bottles that seem packaged for one person to drink are labeled as having two servings, so there may be more sugar in one full bottle than it first appears.

Tips for making hydrating more fun and limiting sugary drinks:

• Gradually dilute juice offered with water, working towards mostly water and a little juice

• Offer homemade flavored water. You can make an activity out of making flavored water (examples: add sliced berries, lemon, mint, orange, or cucumber to the water). 

• Unsweetened coconut water which is naturally full of electrolytes!

• Can make batches of caffeine free herbal teas (mint, lemon ginger, chamomile) and let cool and offer this in place of water.

• Unsweetened flavored water (brands: Splash, Rethink, KidsLuv)

• Make smoothies with yogurt and water or milk and whole fruits blended in