By Monica Bearden, RD and Shara Aaron, MS, RD, Authors of the Baby Fat Diet: A busy mom’s guide to losing weight and looking fabulous

We get a lot of questions on what and how much juice and milk children should drink as well as what is the best drinks for moms. OK, let's start with the obvious, for daily living, not including high endurance sports, water, water, water to quench thirst without adding unnecessary calories and sugar. Now that we have that out of the way, what about those children and adults who do not like water -- try flavoring the water with lemon, orange or tangerine juice and a little sugar (before adding it, melt the sugar by boiling it in some water in the microwave). Water should make up the majority of your beverage choices, especially in hotter and humid climates where kids and adults are constantly in need of a refreshing beverage. Now, beyond water, what should your choices be --?

For Kids (age 4 years and up)

• In general no more than two 8-ounce 100% fruit juice beverages
• And at least 2 cups of low fat or fat free milk.

Given the recent beverage guidelines, such as the School Beverage Guidelines and the Guidelines for Adults, food and beverage manufacturers are trying to make healthier beverage options available. I just came across an interesting drink called Bot Flavored Water soon to be available in Whole Foods. It is made for kids as a healthier alternative to juice -- lower sugar (9 g vs. over 20 g found in juice), nothing artificial, providing mostly water. I would prefer that kids just drink water and enjoy juice no more than two times a day, but for those who do not like water this may be a good option.

For Adults

• Just drink water or flavor it with natural juices (or if you must a low cal powder like Crystal Light).
• Also make sure that you are getting your dairy, two glasses of skim milk, in addition to one cup of yogurt.

Monica Bearden, RD is a registered dietitian and weight loss expert, helping countless women lose weight.  She teaches groups of pregnant women how to gain the weight in a healthy way and then helps women to lose the baby fat.  After years  of helping people lose weight and keep it off as well as writing numerous  health and wellness articles, Monica Bearden now brings you tried and true  tips for losing the baby fat.  She is also co-owner of NutCom, LLC a nutrition communications company and is a certified fitness instructor.
 

 

Shara Aaron, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with years of healthy eating and weight loss communication experience.  Starting as a nutrition and health editor for Family Circle magazine and now the nutrition columnist and member of the advisory board for American Baby Magazine, Shara teaches moms how to eat healthfully and feed their families.  Shara has also written for www.Kaboose.com, Parents Magazine and Family Circle and is co-owner of NutCom, LLC, a nutrition communications company.

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