Is your child drinking the healthiest kind of milk?

FLIPANY is working with childcare center directors, teachers and parents on the “Transforming our Community’s Health” (TOUCH) initiative.  FLIPANY’s Registered Dietitian, Brandi Thompson, helps parents and schools provide the best resources in order for children to attain a quality filled, healthy lifestyle. The (TOUCH) standards provide guidance for early learning centers and families to help them lead a healthier life.

This week we will focus on the beverage standard (low-fat dairy, water and
juice).

Here are a few questions concerning beverages that all parents should know:

1.         How much fluid does a child need during a 24 hour period?
Water is the best drink of choice for all children and children should drink at least 6-8 cups of fluid per day (1 cup = 240 milliliters= 8 ounces).

2.         Did you know that juice can contain up to 8 teaspoons of sugar in one serving?
Limit 100% pasteurized fruit or vegetable juice and substitute for fresh whole fruit and water when possible.

3.         Did you know that children over the age of 2 no longer need whole milk (the red cap)?
Choose 1% and fat free milk for children over the age of 2. These lower fat milk options provide the same amount of protein, calcium and vitamins as whole fat milk just without the extra calories and fat.

Drink up to your health!

For more information about the TOUCH project or FLIPANY’s programs please visit www.FLIPANY.org or www.TOUCHBROWARD.org