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WhatShouldKidsDrink?
Drinksareimportantthirstquenchersandcanbesourcesof
vitaminsandmineralsforkids.Butsweeteneddrinks,likesodas
andfruitpunches,givechildrenextracalorieswithoutextra
nutrients.
Milk
 Givefat‐freeorlow‐fatmilktochildren
2yearsoldandolder.Children1to2
yearsoldneedwholemilk.
o Toddlers,preschoolersandchildren
upto9yearsoldneedabout2cups
ofmilkperday.
o Children9yearsoldandolder(and
grown‐ups!)needabout3cupsof
milkperday.
Water
 Offeryourchildwaterwheneverhe or
sheisthirsty.
 Giveyourchildwatertodrinkwhenhe
orsheisplayingactively,especiallyin
warmweather.
 Offerwaterwithsnacks. Thisteaches
yourchildtochoosewaterwhen
they’rethirsty.
100%Juice
 Offeryourkids100%juiceonly(not
“juicedrinks”or“ades”).
 Limitjuiceto4‐6ouncesperday.
o Drinkingtoomuchjuicecancause
diarrheaanddentalcavities. Thissmoothieisadrinkthat’shearty
enoughtobeasnack. Smoothies
Yield:24ounces Serves:4adults
Ingredients
1smallripebanana
1cupfrozenfruit(blueberries,strawberries,
etc.)
18‐ouncecartonlow‐fatyogurt(vanillaor
fruited)
3/4cuplow‐fat(1%or less)milk.
Steps
1. Peelbanana.Usingacuttingboard
andbutterknife,cutbananainto1‐
inchchunks.Placethebanana
chunksintotheblender.
2. Measurethefrozenfruitandmilk
needed.
3. Putthemeasuredfruit,yogurtand
milkintotheblenderwiththe
bananas.
4. Covertheblender,andblendonhigh
speedforabout1minuteoruntilthe
mixtureissmooth.
5. Poursmoothieintocups,andenjoy!
Haveyourchildhelpyoudotheboldsteps. Belowaresomewaysyoucanencourageyourkidstomake
healthydrinkchoices.Which ofthesedescribesyou?
JustLike
Me
ALittle
LikeMe
NotLike
MeatAll
Irolemodeldrinkingwater
often.
Ibringbottlesofwateralong
whenIgotoutwithmykids.
Idon’tbuysweeteneddrinksat
thegrocerystore.
Irolemodeldrinkingfat‐freeor
low‐fatmilkwithmeals.
Ikeepapitcherofwaterinmy
refrigerator.
Iorderwaterwhen Ieatout.
In accordance with Federal Law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250‐9410 or call toll free (866) 632‐9992 (Voice). Individuals who are hearing impaired or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877‐8339; or (800) 845‐6136 (Spanish). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.