Drink alternatives

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Soft drinks
Did you know that soft drinks are
made from water with a lot of
sugar added? One can has at
least 10 teaspoons of sugar!
Flavour, colour and fizz
are also added.
The caffeine in these drinks
makes it hard for you to
concentrate and can give you a
headache. It can even
make you cranky.

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Low-calorie or sugar-free
soft drinks
Even drinks that have been
stripped of sugar and
calories are not good for you!
They still contain all of the
chemicals found in soft
drinks (such as colours,
flavours and preservatives),
which make them an
unhealthy choice.
They also contain
artificial sweeteners,
which have been linked to
health concerns.
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Healthier alternatives
to soft drinks
Put some fruit slices (such as lemon, orange
or apple slices) or berries (such as
strawberries or blueberries) into water to
add colour and flavour.
Drink sparkling water or soda water if you
like fizz.
Make your own soft drink by combining 100
per cent fruit juice and soda water.

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Energy drinks
Energy drinks contain
large amounts of sugar
and caffeine.
They also contain other
ingredients, such as guarana
(a plant extract with twice
the amount of caffeine
as coffee beans).
The safe level of guarana for
children has not been tested!

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Healthy ways to get energy

Get enough rest: at least 10 hours of
sleep every night.
Eat a balanced diet: choose foods
which give you long-lasting energy.
Foods such as wholegrain cereals and
bananas are great sources of energy.
Get moving: being active releases
chemicals which make you feel good
and give you energy.
Drink water: water hydrates the body
which helps you to stay alert and
moving easily.

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Sports drinks
Sports drinks contain a lot of sugar which can
provide an immediate source of energy, as well
as electrolytes (sodium and potassium) which
keep the bodys fluid levels in balance.
This is only necessary for athletes
who participate in prolonged,
vigorous physical activity.
Sports drinks are not
recommended for children.

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Sugar and caffeine

Not only do children miss out on important vitamins and
minerals when they choose sugar-sweetened and caffeinated
drinks, but there are a number of other consequences and
possible side effects.

Health issues: sugar and caffeine

heart problems

nervous disorders and seizures

dental issues, including cavities

hallucinations

obesity

irritability

dehydration

difficulty sleeping and concentrating

muscle aches

headaches

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A#ribu(ons
Slide 1: Red cup http://pixabay.com/en/drink-beverages-red-cup-juice-176458/
Slide 2: Cup lid straw http://pixabay.com/en/cup-lid-straw-disposable-soft-25180/
Slide 3: Disposable cup http://pixabay.com/en/cup-lid-straw-disposable-25179/
Slide 4: Fruit http://pixabay.com/en/bunch-of-grapes-kiwi-fruit-lemon-210617/
Slide 5: Can http://pixabay.com/en/beverage-tin-can-drink-drinking-161708/
Slide 6: Cat sleeping http://pixabay.com/en/cat-sleeping-sleep-17862/
Slide 8: Coffee cup http://pixabay.com/en/coffee-cup-smoking-hot-drink-34251/; Lemonade http://pixabay.com/en/can-soft-lemonade-drink-soda-cola-307312/
All other images DETE.

References:

Benaroch, R (2014) Better ways to get more energy. The Fit Recharge Handbook. http://fit.webmd.com/teen/recharge/article/fit-get-more-energy?page=2

Benton, J (2014) Caffeine and your child (Kids Health) http://kidshealth.org/parent/growth/feeding/child_caffeine.html#

Gavin, M (2014) Sports and energy drinks (Kids Health) http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_center/healthy_eating/power_drinks.html#

Seifert, S, Schaechter, J, Hershorin, E & Lipshutlz, S (2011) Health effects of energy drinks on children, adolescents, and young adults Pediatrics Journal 127(3), pp511-28
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3065144/

Strawbridge, H (2012) Artificial sweeteners: sugar-free, but at what cost? Harvard Health Publications, Harvard University Medical School http://www.health.harvard.edu/
blog/artificial-sweeteners-sugar-free-but-at-what-cost-201207165030

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