ADOLESCENT FOOD GUIDELINES

GUIDELINES FOR HEALTHY FOOD AND BEVERAGES FOR ADOLESCENT HEALTH PROGRAMS

Replace Sweetened Drinks with Water and Low Fat Milk

Why? Sweetened beverages like soda and juice drinks are high in calories but low in nutrients. As a result, they can cause weight gain and tooth decay. The body does not recognize calories in liquids the same way it does in solid foods. Therefore, the more highcalorie sweetened drinks youth have in a day, the more likely it is they are taking in a higher number of total calories.

What to do? Instead of sweetened drinks, youth should be offered water or low fat milk. These drinks are more nutritious and will not increase daily caloric intake as much as sweetened drinks. It may also be a good idea to provide young people with 100% juice products as a healthy alternative, since it can contribute a whole serving of fruit. However, youth should be cautious with this, because it is easy to over-consume 100% fruit juices and they contain a higher amount of calories than water or low fat milk products.