Drink Healthy

The next time your teen wants a soda, tell her this: a typical can has 10 teaspoons of sugar—more than in a chocolate bar! Try to steer her to these healthy choices instead.

*Milk provides calcium, vitamins, and nutrients that kids need. Encourage your tween of teen to drink three cups a day. Keep the milk fat-free, but it's okay to add chocolate or strawberry flavoring. If your child is allergic to milk, try calcium-enriched soy or rice milk. If she's lactose intolerant, get lactose-free milk.

*Water is the best all-day drink. It has no sugar or calories and is low-cost. Take water bottles in the car and to sports games and practices. Try serving water with meals at home and asking for it when you eat out. You can add flavor with a lemon slice.
Note: Seltzer, club soda, and sparkling water are good alternatives. Like water, they have no sugar or calories, and they have the "fizz" factor kids like.