The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “kids today” drink too much juice. It fills them up with empty calories and then they’re not hungry for real food.
But at our house the kids can drink as much juice as they want and everyone is happy! Well, not juice, but “juice” — and here’s how.
I start with a gallon pitcher, pour in 3 juice boxes, and top off with water. This way the whole pitcher only has a small amount of juice in it, and the kids can have all they want.
In fairness, I started doing this when my kids were … how old are they when they can start having juice? I no longer have a short term memory, but let’s say about 6 months? So they’re used to it and to them this is just what juice at home tastes like.
They have had real juice at school and friend’s houses. And when we have kids over I’ll give them all a juice box. When that happens it is like Mardi Gras! But for day-to-day, this is what they drink, and I get no complaints.
If your kids are older and wiser, you can just switch over gradually. You know, sneaky-style! But whatever you do, don’t fall for this CapriSun crap. I saw an ad for it a few months ago and I was so excited! But then I went to read the ingredients.
It contains High Fructose Corn Syrup so this is just some sort of fruit-colored beverage! I guess they can use the word “Water” in the title because the product is clearly a liquid, but seriously folks, this is so misleading! If they’re going to make fruit punch, just call it that and get on with it. Sheesh!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
My son adores juice. We go thru so. much. juice. Beyond the expense, I’ve always been a bit concerned about all the empty calories myself. I think I’m going to start sneaking a little more water into each pitcher. Maybe work him up to uber-diluted so he won’t notice! Great idea for health & for saving a little cash!
I’ve done this! It saves money on juice, too … and hopefully their teeth down the road. :)
That is a really good idea!
i remember my boyfriend from college giving me watered down juice, which his mother had always given him, and thinking that he was right, his mom was NUTS. and i felt bad for him.
and then, over the years, somehow i got sick of sugary juice, and by the time the baby was born, i couldn’t stand not having half water, half juice. guess ol’ billy’s momma wasn’t nuts (or he narrowly missed marrying him mom. ick.)
butr, anyway, i’m with you on the watery juice.
miah
I’m just happy with Ocean Spray Cranberry. As for when I was little it was Lipton Iced Tea all the way!
Good idea re the juice. I will need to try it! My middle loves juice and I have got to cut back. Going to try this! Thanks!