I’m going to be honest. Growing up in the 80s and 90s my parents didn’t know anything about nutrition. We were readily given high sugar drinks as kids. Hi-Cs, Capri Suns, Squeeze its, Tang. We regularly drank sodas at home and school (there was at one time Clear and Blue Pepsi). However, as a mom now, I have some very nutritious drink ideas for toddlers.
Nowadays, we have so much information literally at our fingertips that can tell us what we are putting into our bodies. Studies indicate high sugar drinks are correlated to diabetes, cancer, liver disease, tooth decay and obesity amongst other detriments to our health.
As a mom, I am aware that my daughter is watching everything I do. However, fortunately I stopped consuming high sugar drinks. Because I know better, I do better. Also, I am very conscious of what my daughter drinks daily.
You are in Charge: Nutritious Drink Ideas for Toddlers
When my baby was very little, I insisted that people (ie her grandmother and dad) not give her sugary drinks or sugary food for that matter. First of all, she’s a baby. Right now her taste buds are developing. The fact is that she doesn’t know the difference between sweetness levels. So if you watered down a juice drink, it’s all the same to her.
Plus, the baby isn’t asking you for kool aid or candy. She can’t even talk. Why give it to her?
Diluting a Drink means Watering it Down
A really great way to make your child’s drinks less sweet is to dilute it with water. Instead of pouring a whole cup of juice, pour half. Then add filtered water and mix.
The most awesome thing about diluting drinks is that nowadays there are juice boxes which use the same idea. Even Capri Suns have reduced sugar nowadays.
I love diluting water and juice at the “pour your own” soda fountains. You can control the sweetness when you do it yourself.
Juice Powders Are Awesome
Costco sells two of my favorite juice powders. Apparently these powders are ground up and freeze dried fruits and veggies. Each scoop is loaded with vitamins and minerals and even some probiotics!
It’s super easy to make. Just add water and mix. You can feel good about giving this juice to your kids.
When mixing your own juice, you can dilute the amount of powder you use. Especially, if you are making a juice for your child/toddler. The reason for this is that your young child doesn’t need the amount of vitamins and minerals meant for an adult. Generally I only use half a scoop and instead of 8 ounces of water, I’ll use 12 ounces.
What’s the best part? My child loves these juices!
Protein Powders Packed with Healthy Vitamins
Costco also carries my favorite protein powder for making healthy shakes.
The brand I love is called Orgain Organic Protein. This brand was invented by a doctor who is a cancer survivor. I love the Chocolate flavor best. My baby loves the limited edition Strawberry.
I use non dairy milks for all of our protein milkshakes because we are lactose intolerant. Oat milk and almond milk are enriched with extra calcium.
Once again, be aware of not using a full scoop of powder for your child’s serving. And it should be noted that full adult serving is actually two full scoops.
For instance, you can add fruits such as strawberries, bananas, blueberries. And adding veggies such as carrots and spinach will give an additonal boost of nutrients.
You can Never Get Enough Water
Have you ever met someone who can’t drink water to quench their thirst? I have met people who don’t see water as a viable beverage for whatever reason. They have to drink something processed and with sugar.
It’s important to me that my daughter sees me drinking water. Not only drinking water, but enjoying it. For instance, I only order water at restaurants. Therefore, she literally sees me chugging water all day long.
And I’ve noticed that she enjoys drinking water as well. She actually asks me for it even when she has other options.
Caffeine Free Tea Parties adds Antioxidants
My daughter loves to host tea parties for her furry stuffed animals. At first, we used her toy tea set with pretend tea. But recently we’ve been having the pleasure of enjoying real tea and cookies.
However, I don’t give her beverages with caffeine. But there are several lovely caffeine free varieties with some flavors such as orange spice or cinnamon apple.
Tea has been show to have health benefits including fighting inflammation and reducing risks of cancer and heart disease. However, herbal teas don’t contain caffeine.
Examples of herbal teas:
- Rooibos
- Camomile
- Peppermint
- Hibiscus
- Ginger
We love to savor rooibos tea with a little bit of added honey and almond milk.
Hoping you enjoy some of these drinks with your child and as always Remember 2 Savor!
