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Drinks for children with Dr Éric Ménat

My daughter does not like milk

It all depends on the age of your child. Up to 2-3 years, milk intake is really useful because it contains what a little one needs: calcium and little protein. After that age, if your daughter really doesn’t like milk, don’t force her. The rejection of this food is perhaps the sign of an intolerance. Try to find alternatives. Offer him, instead, a yogurt, a little piece of cheese or, why not, plant-based milk such as soya, almonds or rice. Above all, his diet must remain varied and balanced.

Is three glasses of soda a day too much?

Yes ! Being thin doesn’t mean being healthy. Soda, which is very high in sugar, makes predisposed people fat. But it is also a very acidifying drink that weakens bones and can also disrupt behavior. According to some studies, the additive called “phosphoric acid”, present in all sodas, even light, promotes hyperactivity. If your daughter stays slim, maybe it’s because she doesn’t eat a lot at mealtimes? Sugary drinks suppress the appetite. As a result, children who consume a lot of it do not eat enough “good things” on the side and run the risk of deficiencies. Finally, your daughter may have a hard time going without soda as an adult. Help her get rid of this bad habit today, because sooner or later her body will eventually store all that sugar!

Can syrup replace fruit juice?

Absolutely not. The syrup mainly contains sugar, water and flavorings. It is, of course, an economical drink, but without nutritional value. Fruit juice brings potassium, vitamins and many other nutrients to the small consumer. Choose it, if possible, 100% pure juice. Another solution: squeeze and blend your fruit yourself. Take advantage of the bargain or buy oranges and apples “wholesale” to prepare delicious, healthy smoothies for them. They will love it!

My kids love smoothies. Can they drink it at will?

It is always best to never overdo a food, even if it is good for you. This is the case with smoothies, which are rather good foods. Fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, essential for our health, but we must not forget that they also contain sugar… The latter, you know, makes you fat, but it also suppresses the appetite. Your children may no longer be hungry at mealtimes, and therefore, consume less food essential for their health and growth.

Does diet soda have an interest?

Lights or not, sodas have no nutritional value for children (nor for adults, for that matter…). Consumed in large quantities, they are even rather harmful to health. Phosphoric acid, which is part of their composition, weakens children’s bones and could be the cause of disorders such as hyperactivity. The only quality of drinks 0%? They do not contain sugar. It is therefore possible – but absolutely not reasonable – to drink it at will without taking a gram. But, once again, beware: sweeteners accustom young consumers to the sweet taste. In short, light sodas are better than regular sodas. However, they must remain “pleasure” refreshments for young and old alike!

What drinks for an overweight child?

It is well known, it is “forbidden to prohibit”! On the other hand, you must make your daughter aware of the harmful consequences of sodas on her weight and her health. Help her find other drinks that are pleasant and less risky for her, such as smoothies or 100% pure fruit juices. Don’t deprive her of sodas and other sugary drinks, but save them for birthdays or Sunday aperitifs.

Are all fruit juices the same?

Nothing beats 100% pure juice or (thicker) smoothies. Their recipe is simple: fruit and just that! That is why they are rich in natural vitamins and antioxidants. Concentrated fruit juices, even “without added sugars”, are much less beneficial from a nutritional point of view. Manufacturers add water, flavorings and, very often, artificial vitamins. Finally, the nectars are obtained from a mixture of puree or fruit juice, with water and sugar. It is the drink that deviates the furthest from the whole fruit.

We have got into the bad habit of bringing soda to the table sometimes. Now, our son refuses to drink anything else at mealtime… how do we make him “like” water?

It is always very difficult to go back. Only one solution could be effective: stop buying soda and, above all, set a good example. If your child sees you drinking soda at the table, he says to himself “if my parents do it, it’s bound to be good!” “. At this point, it is necessary to have a frank discussion with your son. Explain why you have decided to stop buying soda. The desire to drink water will come back naturally, even if it means offering sparkling water, which is very good for health, during the meal.