Substitutes for Soda

Soft drinks are destructive to any healthy eating plan. The citric acid in the drinks doesn't help digestion any, and the sugars are just empty calories. Over-intake can lead to the onset of type two diabetes and obesity. They serve no useful purpose in a diet, and children who need a bevy of nutrients to grow properly shouldn't be wasting their budget of calories on soda. If your child is already drinking soda regularly, it can be hard to get them to move directly to water.

Juice provides a good intermediary, but it is also high in calories. Stick to fresh juices if you can - it's actually fairly inexpensive if you use a juice machine or squeezer to make your own, and it tastes far better than anything that you'll find in the grocery store. Don't over-do it on the juice intake, however, as it is high in calories and sugar as well, but with the added benefit of all the nutrients contained in fruit. Supplement it with water at the table.

Setting a positive example is the best way to ensure that healthy eating habits get down to your children. Don't make it out to be a big deal, or a temporary diet. Simply stick to water and juice along with tea or coffee if it pleases you, so that your children see the benefits of healthy drinking. Normalizing these healthy practices for them will help them grow into good habits, even if they feel some initial trepidation for making the changes they need to.