The recent spell of hot weather was an abrupt reminder that summer is almost here! It’s important to stay hydrated during the muggy months, especially for kids and older adults. What you drink is as big a deal as how much you drink: it’s way too easy to go into sugar overload or waste money on products with unhealthy ingredients. Let’s explore some better—and cheaper—choices…
Summertime…when nothing tastes better than a cold beverage after being outdoors. But many commercial soft drinks and bottled waters are loaded with extra sugar and calories, not to mention caffeine (which kids DON’T need, as all you parents schooling at home know!) and artificial flav
ors or colors.
Beverage companies spend millions of dollars telling us that their product will make us run faster, play better, and have more fun. And you know what? It’s all hype, trying to part you from your money. Plain old tap water may be colorless and boring, but it is the healthiest and cheapest way to go. And you CAN jazz it up a little for a few pennies a serving, not to mention skipping the wasteful plastic bottles.
Here’s a recipe framework for different kinds of flavored waters. We’ve done a lemon-blueberry version with kids in the REACH program in Odessa, which they said was as good as lemonade. An herbal infusion, such as mint or rosemary, may suit a more “sophisticated” adult palate. Rinse out an old milk jug, fill it with water and one or more of the flavors below, chill overnight, and you’re good to go. Healthy, refreshing, and cheap!
Next week, Rethink Your Drink, Part 2: Smoothies, Dairy-based Drinks, and Alternatives
Resources: Drink Water Your Way Make Better Beverage Choices Coloring sheet for kids
Credits: https://www.choosemyplate.gov; https://www.foodhero.org/
IF YOU NEED FOOD:
- Food Bank of the Southern Tier list of food pantry locations and schedules:
- Your school district is providing bagged meals for kids. Check the school web site for times and locations of drop-off points.
SOS Schuyler has some funds available for emergency needs of families: spiritofschuyler.org
Brought to you by:
Joan Martin
SNAP-Ed Nutritionist, Southern Finger Lakes Region
jdm458@cornell.edu
