I remember being at a t-ball game years ago with my daughter. While it was hard to imagine that someday she might actually hit the ball midair versus off a tee, it didn’t matter, for in that moment this was as good as being in the World Series! How I loved her commitment and enthusiasm. The other parents and I not only supported the fan club, we also committed to be the “snack mom” for a home game or two, bringing snacks and beverages for our home team girls. What beverage they would guzzle brought more excitement than the final inning! As parents we choose to bring a “healthy” snack and a refreshing beverage….or did we?
It was more than 18 years ago that I was bringing a team drink to Kate’s games. Times certainly have changed. Through my experience as a fitness professional, coach and wellness advocate I am well aware of the marketing messages that declare these performance drinks a sideline necessity. The pressure in the selection of juices, sports drinks, flavored waters and energy drinks is mind boggling (and obnoxious!). I have heard more disagreements and seen more tears in the grocery beverage aisle when a parent and child attempt to ’bargain’ on what drink they will bring home. The fact of the matter is that the attractive bottle is what sells; not the contents. To top it off, some drinks have been endorsed by a celebrity so one of those must be a worthy choice…right? Oh, the myths of marketing.
Here’s the truth about children, energy drinks and hydration. There appears to be no end to the new brands and types of energy drinks that continue to vie for shelf space and consume user dollars. According to the Chicago-based research firm Mintel, sales of energy/performance drinks rose more than 197% between 2004 and 2009. In June of 2011, The American Academy of Pediatrics doctors stated that children don’t need sports drinks. This study confirmed that energy drinks and sports drinks are misused among children. It recommends that parents decrease the amount of these types of drinks in their child’s diet or, in some cases, eliminate the products altogether.
A side bar to and the increased consumption by kids and young adults is that the increase in childhood obesity is partially attributed to these sugar-laden, high-calorie drinks. Many of these drinks have extra calories, adding extra pounds along with potential tooth decay. Recent studies show that adolescents are obtaining between 10% and 15% of their daily caloric intake from sugar sweetened beverages. To top it all off, many of these drinks are contain artificial colors and sweeteners and offer no nutritional value whatsoever. When it comes to these drinks, are they addressing the real need of proper hydration?
For all kids, water is the best rehydration drink out there. More than half the body is made up of water. Proper hydration will significantly improve every function of the body. Drinking other fluids does not replace water. It is essential for cell function, metabolic function, detoxification, joint lubrication, and hydration, or lack thereof, can seriously affect learning and performance. Dehydration can result in moodiness, poor cardiovascular performance, and poor physical performance. Whether a child is involved in exercise or not, they need to maintain proper hydration.You may hear your child say, “I don’t like the taste of water” or “water is boring.” (I have also heard that from adult clients and athletes I coach and train!) There are ways to make water taste better, and work smarter for you.
Consider juice from fresh fruit squeezed into a glass of water for additional taste. If you’re looking for a bottled product, look for an all natural water additive that could enhance the flavor of your water. Be mindful of the label and make sure you are looking for natural ingredients and no artificial sugars. If long bouts of exercise and high-intensity play are in the picture, refueling is essential. Electrolyte replenishment is important to speed up hydration; look for ingredients like sodium, potassium and magnesium. Carbohydrates and low-calorie natural sweeteners serve to provide the body with necessary energy and quick refueling. And if you can get a few added benefits like an antioxidant or immunity boost, it may be worthy of space in the grocery cart. Skip the trendy drinks, they’re expensive and many fall short of the promises they make you.
As a parent it can be tough to make some of these choices with peer pressure from grocers, persuasive marketers and the kids. Studies suggest that parental food preferences directly influence and shape those of their children. So stand up and make the right choice! Water is essential to life…including your kid’s life, no doubt!
Marie Mozzi Baumuller is a fitness professional, certified trainer, instructor, presenter/speaker with 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry. She is Spa and Wellness Director at Saybrook Point Inn and Spa and owner of FIT Ingenuity, a lifestyle wellness company. She is a national and international fitness champion and still enjoys group instruction, training and ballroom dancing. She holds specialty certifications as a Nutrition Manager with AASDN (American Academy of Sports Dieticians and Nutritionists) and is an Invincible Athlete trainer. Her love for children is reflected in her years of work as a coach, former high school teacher, youth minister and founder of the youth trademark program ROUTEEN. ROUTEEN provides direction and motivation to today’s most unfit population to impart self esteem through an appreciation for personal well being.
Marie is passionate about her work and as a result is a sought after trainer, motivator and national presenter. Visit her website at www.fitingenuity.com or contact her at marie@fitingenuity.com.